Tie (left) signs the appointment document in the presence of Wong (seated right) as others look on during the installation ceremony.
SIBU: Development of Chinese education should not be left solely to an individual, but should be a joint effort of committed people.
In pointing this out, Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh notes that Chinese education is moving in a very positive direction.
“The current scenario is very encouraging, particularly on the cultural and economic achievement of China.
“China is becoming a good neighbour, partner, friend; promoting brotherhood and trustworthy association,” he said in his address at the 17th installation of executive committee of the Board of Management of United Associations of Chinese Aided Primary Schools Sibu and Kapit Divisions for the 2017-2018 term at a restaurant here on Sunday.
Datuk Tie Chee Ping, as the board’s new chairman, led his committee members in the swearing-in before Wong.
Wong, who is Bawang Assan assemblyman, said Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg stressed on the importance of Chinese education and described it as the ‘21st century language’.
He said the allocation of RM6 million recently announced by the chief minister for Chinese independent secondary schools as well as the announcement of a more suitable location of 2,000 hectares of land for Sarawak United Association of Private Chinese Secondary School Management Board would augur well for the development of Chinese education.
“I am confident he (Abang Johari) will also help soon in the same manner to assist in the running of the Chinese primary schools,” said Wong.
Thus, he urged the Chinese community to fully support the chief minister, who is expected to appoint a state education minister.
In his address earlier, Tie said Chinese education is getting more popular among the non-Chinese.
On the federal government’s grant for school improvement and maintenance, he urged the school authority concerned to speed up the progress of the projects.
On dual languages for teaching of Mathematics and Science subjects, and English to be used as the medium of instruction, Tie said he was against this proposal as it would change the status and role of Chinese primary schools.