Dato IR Lo Khere Chiang said Sarawak govt to offer free education is akin to investing in the young generation

suppadmin | September 1, 2024

The Sarawak government’s decision to offer free tertiary education from 2026, selectively applied to specific fields, demonstrates a commendable blend of pragmatism, prudence, and foresight. By targeting certain courses, the government is aligning its investments with regional needs and future economic priorities, said State Assemblyman, Dato IR Lo Khere Chiang.

Lo said this strategic focus is not a limitation but a deliberate effort to optimize resource use where it can have the greatest impact. The government’s approach reflects a commitment to avoiding indiscriminate spending and ensuring that educational investments deliver tangible benefits for Sarawak’s growth.

He deemed critics who calls for universal free education across all courses may have overlooked the importance of strategic resource allocation. The GPS government is working diligently to generate revenue for Sarawak, and spending these resources wisely, particularly for long-term needs, is essential. By prioritizing fields with the most pressing needs, such as science and technical areas facing shortages, the government is demonstrating a commitment to effective and sustainable investments.

“This approach mirrors practices in other countries: in the UK, for example, free or subsidized education is often available for high-demand sectors like nursing and teaching. Similarly, in Australia, subsidized places are frequently reserved for courses with identified skill shortages, such as early childhood education, reflecting a strategic investment in critical areas, ” Lo added.

It is disheartening to see DAP Sarawak’s reaction to this thoughtful decision, he said and rather than recognizing and appreciating the government’s effort to enhance educational opportunities, Chong from DAP Sarawak has chosen to criticize. Sarawak still has significant infrastructure projects to support, and relying solely on federal funding could delay essential developments like roads and bridges.

Lo added that instead of criticizing the GPS government’s initiative, Chong, as a MP, could advocate for increased federal funding for Sarawak’s health and education needs, without Sarawak having to consistently bear costs that are also the federal government’s responsibility.

Chong’s criticism that the GPS government has broken its promise to provide free education reveals his apparent lack of understanding of the broader context Lo pointed out and stated that it is important to understand why adjustments to initial plans may be necessary and why this does not constitute a broken promise.

Offering free education across all courses without considering resource limitations could lead to financial shortfalls that might jeopardize the overall sustainability of the program. By focusing on fields with the most pressing needs, such as science and technical areas facing shortages, the government ensures that the initiative remains effective and sustainable. This approach reflects a commitment to responsible fiscal management and strategic investment.

“The notion that the government has broken its promise overlooks the complexity of policy implementation. Promises must be adapted as circumstances change and as detailed planning reveals the practicalities of execution. The government’s decision to focus on specific courses does not negate its commitment to providing free education but rather it could represent a prudent adjustment to ensure the initiative’s long-term viability.

In essence, the government’s approach is not about retracting a promise but about ensuring that resources are used effectively to benefit the greatest number of people while avoiding potential financial pitfalls. This careful balancing act demonstrates a commitment to both the principles of the promise and the practicalities of implementation, ” he stressed.

Lo believed that the majority of the people of Sarawak are united in their appreciation of the hard work that has gone into making this initiative a reality rather than being divided by divisive rhetoric from DAP Sarawak.

He recalled that when it comes to broken promises, let’s not overlook Pakatan Harapan’s blatant departure from their manifesto after winning the election and they had held on to their argument that their manifesto wasn’t the Bible, thereby conveniently sidestepping their commitments. YB Chong’s promises on MA63 recognition, a 20% oil royalty, and a 50% return on all taxes collected have all been unfulfilled. It’s astonishing that YB Chong has the audacity to criticize GPS for broken promises when he himself has so spectacularly failed to deliver on his promises to the people of Sarawak. His own record of unfulfilled promises is a glaring hypocrisy that demands scrutiny.