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Borneo Post
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
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
Malay Mail
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Sarawak steps up push for education autonomy under MA63, says state deputy minister
KUCHING, May 7 — Sarawak is intensifying efforts to secure greater education autonomy under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), following its incorporation into the Federal Constitution in 2022, said Datuk Dr Annuar Rapa'ee. The State Education, Innovation and Talent Development Deputy Minister said the constitutional amendment, which places MA63 under Article 160(2), elevates it as part of the nation's supreme law alongside the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report. 'Before 2022, there was no provision in the Constitution that mentioned MA63. But now it's part and parcel of our constitution, the supreme law. 'Therefore, the MA63 and the IGC report has to be considered seriously,' he said during a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and letter of intent (LoI) signing between i-CATS University College and various industry and TVET partners here today. Dr Annuar said that while education remains under the Federal List in the Ninth Schedule (Item 13(a)) of the Constitution, MA63 provides a strong legal foundation for Sarawak to assert its educational rights. He pointed to Paragraph 17 of the IGC Report, which outlines seven key areas related to education, including the use of English and the preservation of the existing education system. 'It's a powerful document that reinforces autonomy and we're moving in that direction and I'm happy to say we've made good progress,' he said. Dr Annuar acknowledged that full autonomy is difficult to achieve, but stressed Sarawak's commitment, particularly in safeguarding the state's syllabus and the use of English in schools, colleges, and universities. 'Although it's not easy to get full autonomy of education, certain parts such as syllabus and the use of English must be maintained by the schools, colleges and universities in Sarawak. 'We should not compromise on that, and thankfully our dual language program (DLP) is entering its sixth year and we are actually making a lot of progress,' he said. He highlighted Sarawak's recent approval to conduct its own Primary Six examinations as a major milestone, achieved through collaboration with the federal government. 'This exam is actually an international standard, it's been vetted, and it's been foreseen by Cambridge University Press and Assessment. 'It will be held October-November this year, with only these subjects, Maths, English, and Science,' he said. On Sarawak's wider autonomy negotiations, Dr Annuar said discussions with Putrajaya are ongoing, with 15 major items already tabled in Parliament, including the proposal for Sarawak to approve its own development projects. 'Of all the issues raised, English is the most important, and also the approval powers for projects. 'Last time, for example, if it's an RTP project, we have to ask KL to approve it or not, even though it's our money. 'It's a bit ridiculous, because it's our project, our money, but we have to ask their permission for the project to be done. 'But now, it's okay, as the state director can approve it,' he said. Asked whether federal education policies should be referred to Sarawak first, Dr Annuar said this is clearly outlined in Paragraph 17 of the IGC Report. 'Yes, it's there. Even though the state director is a federal officer, education policies must still be referred to the state government,' he added. — The Borneo Post
