SIBU: Sarawak has in place strong policies to help it become the most developed state in the country by 2030, says Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg (pix).
He said one such policy concerns education whereby the state government has allocated RM11 million to train teachers to teach Science and Mathematics in English.
In comparison, he said the federal government appeared unable to come up with a consistent approach towards the country’s education system, with policies constantly changing over the past years.
“We (Sarawak) have an agenda, which is the agenda of Gabungan Parti Sarawak. Those on the other side (peninsula), even education policy is kelam-kabut (a mess).
“At one time using English to teach Science and Mathematics, another time not using the language,” Abang Johari said, referring to the recent announcement by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed that the government was looking to re-introduce the teaching of the two subjects in English.
Mahathir, who is interim education minister, had introduced the policy in 2003 during his first tenure as prime minister. The policy was however scrapped in 2011.
Abang Johari, who spoke during the launching of GPS Zone 9 Sibu on Saturday, said the proposal to re-introduce the policy showed a lack of clear direction on the part of the federal government when it comes to education.
“In education, we are clear. We want to set up International schools (in Sarawak), but the other side continues to flip-flop – one time using English and another time, not using English.
“Black shoes, white shoes (are among) many flip-flop policies,” he said.
The launching of GPS Zone 9 Sibu was attended by deputy chief ministers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah and Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing, Local Government and Housing Minister Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin, and other state cabinet ministers. — TheBorneoPost
