The Sarawak State Government is confident that it can offer free tertiary education at state-owned institutions of higher learning to Sarawakians by 2026.
As reported by Malay Mail, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari said that he has asked state Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn and his deputy Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee to conduct a study on the feasibility of such an initiative.
Sarawak Premier, Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg
Specifically, the free tertiary education is only for Sarawakians and applicable at state-owned institutes of higher learning. Abang Johari added that the plan would see those eligible to enter the institutes will be given free education to further their studies.
The Sarawak Premier, who also holds the finance and new economy portfolio further elaborated that the state can afford to provide free education based on the study conducted by the state education, innovation and talent development ministry.
He asserted,
“I feel that, if there is no obstacle, we can give free tertiary education by 2025 or 2026. I can certainly commit by 2026 because our state economy will be expanded resulting in higher income in the state by that year,”
The Sarawak Premier said that indications are pointing to Sarawak’s revenue being higher this year than the RM12 billion recorded last year. Moreover, the revenue will also be generated from the state sovereign wealth fund, with a percentage of the revenue to be set aside to finance the planned free education.
Among the state-owned institutes of higher learning include:
- Sarawak campus of Curtin University of Technology
- Sarawak campus of Swinburne University of Technology
- University Technology Sarawak
- Centre of Technology Excellence Sarawak
- I-Cats College University
So, what do you guys think of the plans by the Sarawak State Government? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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