KUCHING: The Chinese community in Sarawak is hopeful of positive changes in the country’s education policy now that the post of Education Minister is held by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, albeit on an interim basis, says Dato Richard Wee.
Wee, who is Federation of Chinese Associations Sarawak president, said the Chinese community is looking to Dr Mahathir to come up with a more practical education policy.
“Generally, the community is a little bit disappointed, to put it mildly, with regard to what they expect and what is being promised. They felt a bit let down particularly on the education side.
“But now we have a new interim education minister. With all the issues relating to all walks of life in Malaysia, if they do not focus on that (education) and try to do better, I think they would have to face the voters (come next election),” he said to reporters after a visit by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg to his Chinese New Year open house, here Sunday.
On a separate matter, Wee, who is also chairman of the Committee Management of Kuching Chung Hua Middle Schools No. 1, 3 and 4, brushed aside talks that he would be contesting the next state election.
“No, politics has never been my thing. I will always assist in different roles in whatever ways I can,” he said.
Nonetheless, he believed Abang Johari and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will fare better in the election as the opposition in the state has been “disappointing” while GPS has been working hard on the ground.
“I was sharing with CM (chief minister) just now that as long as he has the interest and heart to fight for the right things, I think the people will be naturally behind him, particularly the Chinese community.”
He also hoped there would be less politicking by the federal government, with more focus instead put on strengthening the country’s economy.