KUCHING: The appointment of an Education Minister for the state has been described as a dream come true for Sarawak Teachers’ Union (STU).
STU president Jisin Nyud said the STU members thanked Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg for being farsighted and bold by putting education as a top priority of the state .
“It is a dream come true for STU, as this important post has been highlighted for consideration of the state government through our dialogue with our late chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, and also through the media.
“It was also one of STU’s resolutions during our Biennial Delegate Conference in 2016. In fact, all our STU members have been urging us to highlight this matter in every meeting,” he said yesterday.
Abang Johari announced the appointment of Tebedu assemblyman Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong as Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research on May 6, during a press conference to announce state cabinet reshuffle.
Jisin, on behalf of STU, also congratulated Manyin on his appointment as the first Minister for Education of Sarawak.
He said the Chief Minister has made a wise decision in appointing Manyin as the state’s Education Minister since he (Manyin) himself was a former teacher, lecturer, principal and was awarded Tokoh Guru for Sarawak.
“As a very experienced teacher and politician, just like our Chief Minister, his (Manyin) heart is always on education and he is very passionate about it.
“Some people question why do we need education minister for the state when we have education minister in the federal. The reason is Sarawak needs a catch-up plan in education to be on par with our counterpart in Peninsular Malaysia in all the playing fields. Therefore, we need specific minister to be in charge of education,” he said.