Wee ( 4th left) presents a Chinese Calligraphy scroll to Abang Johari on behalf of Sarawak United Association of Chinese Private schools.
MIRI: Sarawak United Association of Private Chinese Secondary Schools Board paid tribute to former chief minister Datuk Patinggi Adenan Satem for his contributions to Chinese education and thanked his successor Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg for continuing to help Chinese schools in the state.
In his speech read out by the association’s vice president Dato Richard Wee Liang Chiat during the presentation of the RM6 million grant to 14 schools, its president Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau Lee Ming commended both for their steadfast support of Chinese education.
He said Adenan showed the way in recognising contribution of Chinese schools to the state by recognising the United Examination Certificate school graduates with credit in SPM Bahasa Malaysia for admission into the civil service apart from providing financial assistance to these schools.
“We are most grateful that this is again further endorsed and fully supported by our KetuaMenteri YAB Datuk Amar Abang Johari,” he said.
The board is heartened that the State Government and its leaders shared their views and values in the contribution towards nation building, economy and national unity.
“It is a regret that the recognition of the UEC at federal level has become a political issue,” he said.
He was referring to those who alleged that Chinese schools are obstacles to national unity, saying on the contrary that it has inculcated and cultivated cultural understanding, religious acceptance and racial harmony.
Lau pointed out that statistics from Dong Zon indicated that out of 85,000 students in 60 Chinese Independent schools nationwide, there are about 1,600 non-Chinese and their number is increasing.
He hoped the Chinese community in Sarawak and the state government would continue to work together to pursue the recognition of UEC throughout Malaysia.
This will complement Abang Johari’s long term vision and policies in ICT, infrastructure, environment and bio-tech.
Acknowledging the contributions of the Chinese community in supporting and sustaining Chinese Independent schools in Sarawak, Lau thanked the board members for their sacrifices in sustaining Chinese schools in the state.
Abang Johari yesterday handed over the RM6 million financial grant to the board at Pei Min Middle School to be distributed among 14 Chinese schools in the state.
Among those present at the function were the chief minister’s wife Datin Amar Hajjah Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, Minister of Local Government and SUPP president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, Assistant Minister of Land and Air Transport and Safety Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Assistant Minister of Solidarity Rosey Yunus, Piasau assemblyman and SUPP secretary-general Datuk Sebastian Ting, Miri Resident Sherrina Hussaini, Datuk Hii King Chiong, and Datuk James Ling.