21-05-2025
Prioritise dedicated Form 6 centre in Daro for rural students, rep urges MOE
Safiee says a purpose-built pre-university facility is urgently needed to serve rural students more effectively. – Roystein Emmor
KUCHING (May 21): The construction of a dedicated Form 6 centre or college in Daro should be prioritised by the Education Ministry of Education (MOE), said Safiee Ahmad (GPS-Daro).
Speaking during the Motion of Appreciation on the Yang di-Pertua Negeri's speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) today, he said a purpose-built pre-university facility is urgently needed to serve rural students more effectively.
Safiee said the existing Form 6 centre in Daro is currently housed at SMK Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajah Normah, where it shares facilities with regular secondary school students.
'It also accommodates students from neighbouring schools such as SMK Matu, SMK Semop and SMK Belawai.
'The current setup limits student intake due to space and infrastructure constraints.
'We need a proper, dedicated facility with science and technology stream amenities, as well as hostel accommodation, to provide a conducive learning environment for Form 6 students,' he said.
He added that the proposed centre would not only benefit local students but also improve access to quality education in rural areas and enhance their chances of continuing to university.
At the same time, Safiee took aim at individuals who had recently criticised Sarawak and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, describing such remarks as rooted in ignorance or envy.
'Lately, we've heard many negative comments and distorted perceptions about Sarawak, especially from across the sea.
'Whether they deliberately ignore or simply do not understand the history of Malaysia's formation ― particularly the contents of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the IGC Report ― or whether they are just blinded by envy over Sarawak's rapid progress, the result is the same: they fail to see how Sarawak's success contributes to Malaysia's prosperity as a whole,' he said.
He noted that international recognition received by the Premier for his sustainable energy and green economy initiatives had brought prestige not just to Sarawak, but to the entire nation.
'Sarawak's success should not be met with envy and malice ― it should be emulated by those who truly want to see Malaysia thrive,' he added.
Safiee also criticised certain opposition politicians, accusing them of seeking publicity by fixating on trivial issues while pretending to be experts on Sarawakian identity.
'Some seem obsessed with pointing out faults just to gain popularity ― even acting like specialists on the hornbill species,' he said, referring to recent controversy surrounding Affin Bank's use of the hornbill, a symbol of Sarawak, in its card design. Daro DUN Form 6 Safiee Ahmad
