Ucapan penggulungan Menteri Pendidikan, Inovasi dan Pembangunan Bakat
Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn
Persidangan Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak (6 Mei-15 Mei 2024)
1. Saya merakamkan penghargaan dan terima kasih kepada YB Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker atas peluang untuk saya membuat ucapan penggulungan pada penghujung Persidangan Pertama, Penggal Ketiga, Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak Ke-19, pada hari ini.
2. Sebelum saya memulakan ucapan penggulungan ini, saya bagi pihak keluarga dan Kementerian saya ingin merakamkan ucapan takziah kepada keluarga mendiang Senator Datuk Mutang Tagal, Yang di-Pertua Dewan Negara, yang telah meninggalkan kita pada 10 Mei yang lalu.
3. Mendiang Senator Datuk Mutang Tagal telah mencipta sejarah sebagai pemimpin pertama dari komuniti Lun Bawang, dilantik sebagai Yang di-Pertua Dewan Negara. Kita semua telah kehilangan seorang tokoh dan pemergian beliau sukar untuk diganti.
4. Our thoughts and our prayers are with him and may his soul rest in peace.
Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker,
5. Bagi pihak Kementerian, saya ingin merakamkan sekalung tahniah kepada Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar atas pelantikan sebagai Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak ke-8.
6. Pelantikan Tun Pehin Sri sebagai Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak adalah umpama sirih pulang ke gagang, di mana pengalaman dan sumbangan Tun Pehin Sri di dalam aspek keselamatan, dasar dan perundangan, sama ada pada peringkat negara mahupun antarabangsa, sehingga ke aspek pembangunan pada peringkat akar umbi, melambangkan tingginya keperibadian dan hebatnya ketokohan beliau. Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Pehin Sri adalah seorang Negarawan atau Statesman yang unggul.
7. Pelantikan Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Haji Wan Junaidi Bin Tuanku Jaafar akan terus meningkatkan lagi pengiktirafan Sarawak ke arah sebuah wilayah yang terus maju dan makmur di dalam Malaysia dan di rantau ini.
8. Kami berdoa semoga Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Pehin Sri dan Yang Amat Berbahagia Toh Puan Fauziah binti Mohammad Sanusi mendapat rahmat dan perlindungan Tuhan yang Maha Esa, dan juga sentiasa berada dalam keadaan sihat wal-afiat, untuk terus memimpin Sarawak.
Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker,
9. We are privileged that we own five (5) Higher Learning Institutions and two (2) TVET institutions providing greater opportunity for Anak Sarawak to pursue their tertiary education or to acquire the required skills in technical and vocational education.
10. These strategic facilities are the brainchild of the former Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Al-Marhum Tun Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud. Al-Marhum Tun Pehin Sri contributed immensely in the field of education and human capital development of Sarawak. Today, we stand to reap the benefits of his contributions and will continue to do so.
11. Therefore, on behalf of my Ministry, I take this opportunity to pay our greatest respect and gratitude to the late Tun Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud. His contributions have elevated Sarawak from a backwater state to what we are today. We all pray may his soul rest in peace.
Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker,
12. Allow me now to spend some time to respond to matters raised by Honourable Members of this august House under the purview of my Ministry. The matters raised by Honourable Members are on 6 broad areas namely MA63 and Devolution and Decentralisation of Education, Assessments, School Repairs and Development, Quality of Education, Talent and TVET, and Research and Innovation.
13. While responding to the matters raised, I will also include status updates or new developments on the matters where necessary. By doing so, I would be able to ‘kill two birds with one stone’ and hence cover a considerable number of issues and provide feedback and additional information in a shorter duration.
MA63 and Devolution and Decentralisation of Education
14. The first matter is on MA63 and autonomy of education. In this respect, I would like to clarify that we are actually demanding for devolution and decentralisation of education. For now, we are not demanding full autonomy as education is a federal matter and when the needs arise at a later stage, we may re-visit the demand for autonomy.
15. Members for Batu Kitang, Kota Sentosa and Bawang Assan delved into the matter of MA63, in relation to education autonomy. Again, let me reiterate that the proper terminologies are devolution and decentralisation as they have legal effect.
16. I have spoken at length on this matter at the last sitting and now I would like to up-date members of this august House on what have been achieved.
17. I am very proud to state here that, the Ministry of Education (MoE) has agreed on the following pivotal points:
a) Delegation of authority to the Director of Education, Sarawak to permit school development projects and educational programmes funded by Sarawak Government or other parties,
b) English as the medium of instruction for Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Additional Mathematics at the secondary school level,
c) MoE through JPNS will seek advice from my Ministry on matters of importance to Sarawak,
d) MoE through JPNS will actively involve my Ministry in educational project initiation, planning and management to ensure local circumstances are given due consideration,
e) Agreed in principle for Sarawak to establish a standardised assessment system for DLP Sarawak, and
f) Sharing of information and data.
18. The decentralisation of authority for Sarawak funded projects is far reaching. Now, all projects especially RTP and MRP are no longer given permission by Putrajaya, thereby speeding up implementation process.
19. In respect of funding for educational programmes and activities, Sarawak Government through my Ministry and other agencies consistently provide the necessary assistance. With the approval or permission by the Director of Education Sarawak, programmes and activities could be promptly implemented for the benefits of the school students.
20. For STEM subjects at the secondary school level, the medium of instruction in English shall only begin when the first cohort reaches secondary school in 2026 and will proceed to pure science subjects in 2029, for those who qualify.
21. Guided by our AG Chambers, my Ministry and the MoE are currently in the process of formalising these agreed-upon points into circulars and regulations to ensure their adherence and continuity in the future.
22. In matters extending beyond the jurisdiction of the MoE such as the recruitment of teachers, waiver for requirement of land alienated to FLC for project bidding and approval, and Sarawak to fully implement projects with funding from MoE, the next step is to escalate them to the MA63 Technical Committee, for further direction.
Assessments
Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker,
23. The next matter is on assessments. Member for Kota Sentosa spoke at length on the recently published World Bank Report on Malaysia’s state of education and Member for Lingga delved into the need of a standardised assessments for schools.
24. The findings by the World Bank reinforce our concerns on the state of education specifically in Sarawak. We can’t agree more that all the recommendations by World Bank in the report are fundamental in our endeavour to achieving quality education in Sarawak.
25. One of the recommendations by World Bank is to implement an assessment system that aligns local instruments and grading with international standard. Assessment plays a crucial role in the education system. It provides valuable inputs into students’ learning and progress. The benefits are far-reaching and significantly impact both students and teachers.
26. However, a standardised assessment system at Year 6, known as Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) and Pentaksiran Tingkatan 3 (PT3) had been scrapped by the Ministry of Education, in favour of the School Based Assessment.
27. I am not an education expert, but MoE’s approach to assessment by emulating some Scandinavian countries does not work well in our circumstances, for now. We are plagued by the insufficient number and the sorry state of our educational infrastructures and facilities, shortage of teachers in the corresponding subject matter options, inadequate teachers’ professional development opportunities and a host of other issues.
28. An effective School Based Assessment needs improvement in the overall education eco-system such as teachers, including professional development, infrastructures, facilities, tools and equipment, connectivity and curriculum, to name a few.
29. I have, and so have many of us here, gone through a series of robust standardised assessments and examinations during our school days. It worked well and, maybe, when the time is ripe with considerable achievement in development, say, ample teachers’ professional development opportunities, the School Based Assessment may be implemented.
30. Since the beginning of this year, my Ministry has drawn a comprehensive plan to carry-out standardised assessments for our Year 6 pupils beginning 2025 and Form 3 students by 2028. I must thank the Ministry of Education Malaysia, for giving the approval-in-principle and offering the necessary cooperation and support in our plan to carry-out the standardised assessments. This is also in tandem with the World Bank recommendation.
31. Our planned assessments will only involve the subjects of English, Mathematics and Science which are taught in English, under our Dual Language Programme or DLP Sarawak. The first cohort of 2020 will sit for the assessment in 2025.
32. To ensure quality and standard of the assessment, my Ministry is now in a series of discussion with an international accredited assessment provider due to be concluded soon. I hope that we shall all be patient in this matter, not making uninformed statements, until an official decision is made.
33. I would like to assure that the assessments will not be a burden to pupils, teachers, and parents. Let us work together and run this path diligently and pray for a better outcome.
School Repairs and Development
Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker,
34. The subject of school repairs and development capture the attention of Members for Baleh, Bukit Assek, Bukit Semuja, Daro, Katibas, Pelagus, Simunjan and Telang Usan.
35. The challenge of addressing dilapidated school buildings remains a significant issue. If we continue with the current approach of funding through the standard 5- year Malaysia Plan, it could take up another 50 years to resolve the issue.
36. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Sarawak Government has proposed a new funding and implementation mechanism to the Federal Government. Under this proposal, repairs and redevelopment of dilapidated schools would be initially financed by Sarawak Government and later reimbursed by the Federal Government.
37. This proposal was made known by the Premier to the Prime Minister on 30 March 2024, and the latter has assured that special arrangements can be made.
38. Currently both the Sarawak and Federal Governments are now working on the details of these arrangements to ensure the successful implementation of the projects. Despite the arrangements are work-in-progress, the Federal Government has introduced an alternative implementation model to expedite repair works.
39. Beginning from today, Monday, 13 May to 16 May, representatives from the Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department or ICU JPM and my Ministry, JPNS, JKR Sarawak and other Sarawak Government Departments and Agencies are conducting their site visits at eight (8) schools to assess the requirements for repair work projects.
40. ICU JPM has graciously made known the availability of allocation for the eight (8) projects of up to RM5.0 million per school, depending on the extent of the works required.
41. The selected schools are SMK Agama, Sibu, SK Batu Lintang, Sri Aman, SK Muhibbah, Kuching, SK Sungai Bulu Senangeh, Asajaya, SK Gumpey, Gedong, SK Pelaman Sidunuk, Serian, SK Patung, Serian and SK Rambungan, Lundu.
42. I hope that with the alternative implementation model, repair works could be expedited and yield the best outcome. This may then be replicated at other suitable locations.
43. Pertaining to specific matters on the same subject of school repairs and development, and also requests for new schools, my Ministry has taken note and will take the necessary action to assist and coordinate among the several federal and Sarawak authorities to expedite and to address the issues.
44. The issues highlighted include SK Batang Lassa, which is dangerously perched on eroded river bank, SK Sungai Bulu Senangeh which is unsafe, SK Merakai and SK Lebor Remun, Serian that require treated water supply, SK Abang Leman, Kabong, of which the repair work is critically delayed.
45. Other issues touched on the redevelopment and relocation of schools, namely SK Long Bemang, Sg. Apoh; SK Tebakang, SK Sri Sadong, Serian; SMK Julau and SMK Julau 2, Sarikei; and SMK Saratok, Saratok.
46. Requests for construction of new schools were made for SMK Goram, Kapit, SMK Serian No. 2, Serian, and another secondary school in Nanga Budu Sub-district, Ulu Krian.
Quality of Education
Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker,
47. Members for Baleh, Batu Kitang, Bukit Assek, Katibas, Kota Sentosa, Lingga, Pelagus, Tamin, Tanjong Datu, and Telian spoke on the quality of education in the aspect of students’ performance, teachers’ development, shortage of teachers and curriculum.
48. Sarawak’s performance in the SPM examinations has been less than satisfactory. The State’s Average Grade (GPN) has consistently lagged behind the National Average Grade over the past five years. We recognize that, unchecked, poor performance in SPM could have serious consequences in the future.
49. Cognisance to this issue, Sarawak Government has approved a sum of RM15.0 million to carry-out tuition classes during the last Budget Sitting. My Ministry is shouldering this responsibility.
50. In collaboration with Yayasan Sarawak, Education Department Sarawak and our local Universities, my Ministry is carrying out a comprehensive long-term intervention programme called the Sarawak Education Enhancement Programme (SEEP), targeting students in Form 3 to Form 5 across all secondary schools.
51. The strategies and interventions outlined under SEEP are data-driven, with the objective of elevating Sarawak’s SPM performance achievements at above the national average and positioning it among the top performers in Malaysia within the next five years.
52. The success of this programme hinges on the support and cooperation of our teachers, school leaders, and parents. I urge all parties to collaborate closely in the pursuit of excellence in SPM results. We believe that dedicated educators in Sarawak will take this programme positively. Together, we can make a significant difference in education landscape of Sarawak.
Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker,
53. The subject of teachers’ professional development was singled-out by Member for Lingga on the issues affecting the quality of education. I could not have agreed more.
54. One of the important input that my Ministry has put forth in our MA63 meetings with MoE is on the allocation and opportunity for Sarawak teachers to be offered professional development programmes and also pursue their post-graduate studies. However, if we do the maths, there are about 40,000 teachers in Sarawak with less than 10% having post-graduate degrees, then it is indeed a huge challenge to address this issue with the current policy.
55. Sarawak government has been offering post-graduate scholarships through Yayasan Sarawak and I believe more can be done. But our efforts should not shun MoE to provide more opportunities for Sarawak teachers to be offered professional development courses and also post-graduate degrees.
56. On the issue of shortage of teachers, including Iban Language teachers in primary schools, I must say that the shortage is not only confined to teachers for the Iban Language but also in other subjects.
57. Among others, the shortage of teachers in our schools is also contributed by the number of candidates for teachers’ training in the required subject matter options, including for Iban Language. My ministry is looking holistically into this issue, working closely with Education Department.
Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker,
58. I can agree on the need for MoE to revisit the current curriculum for both primary and secondary schools as mentioned by members for Lingga, Tamin and Tanjong Datu. I am made to understand that MoE has announced they will introduce new elements to the current curriculum by 2027.
59. However, we would have been very pleased had we been engaged to provide the necessary input. I would assume that all the special circumstances that we have in Sarawak have been given due consideration and incorporated in the final document.
Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker,
60. While we place significant emphasis on addressing challenges and improving the quality of education at the primary and secondary levels, we simultaneously recognise the immense importance of tertiary or higher education.
61. The GPS government has also announced that Anak Sarawak will get to enjoy free tertiary education in the form of scholarships at all state-owned institutions for higher learning beginning 2026.
62. This initiative is a game changer for Sarawak, whereby qualified Anak Sarawak will have greater opportunity to pursue their tertiary education, thus providing Sarawak a respectable number of skilled workforce required for the fast-paced development strategies.
63. My Ministry is having a series of engagements with all the four state-owned institutions so as to assure that they are ready, prepared and equipped to enrol undergraduates by 2026. From a current total of 9,500 students, it is very much anticipated that the number of enrolments will increase.
64. At the same time, my Ministry is working on the qualifying criteria, in addition to being accepted by the institutions, components and quantum of the scholarship.
65. Again, in this matter, let us all await the official statement on the details of the free tertiary education. I am hoping that all Anak Sarawak, currently in Secondary Schools to concentrate in your studies, perform well in your examinations and get accepted into our own institutions.
Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker,
66. Our state-owned universities have established strategic partnership with international universities and research institutions, in the areas of data science, artificial intelligence research and innovation.
67. These efforts will enrich its academic offerings, broadens the cultural and intellectual horizons of its students as well as the institutions.
68. I am proud when I learnt that ICATS is exploring into the field of aerospace engineering. Since aerospace engineering is a specialised field and covers a very wide range of disciplines, I am sure that the management of ICATS will find their niche.
69. When it happens, ICATS will elevate Sarawak’s standing, with economic benefits like investment attraction, job creation, and skill development.
70. At the international front, through BIMP-EAGA, our local institutions have introduced several strategic projects and programmes as part of their initiative to further promote international collaboration and boost regional economic growth.
Talent and TVET
Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker,
71. On the subject matter of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), the Honourable Members for Batu Kitang, Kalaka, Kota Sentosa, Ngemah, Pelagus and Serembu have mentioned on the needs for our workforce to be equipped with the necessary skills and competencies, especially in the area of renewable energy, biotechnology, microelectronics and maritime.
72. This shows that the members are abreast with the current trend in development spearheaded by our Right Honourable Premier. Rightly so, our state owned TVET Institutions namely Sarawak Skills and CENTEXS are providing the required skills and competencies.
73. In addition to their diverse range of courses offered, Sarawak Skills has introduced new courses such as maritime engineering in shipbuilding and ship maintenance, hydrogen fuel cell and automotive technology, including EVs.
74. In their effort to provide more opportunities for Anak Sarawak to obtain technical training, Sarawak Skills in April this year, has established another training centre in Sri Aman. The centre can accommodate up to 250 trainees at any one time.
75. CENTEXS on the other hand embarked on EV Technology Transition, Aviation Training on aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), Robotics Programming, Cloud Computing and Machine Learning Technologies.
76. To achieve these, CENTEXS entered into collaboration agreements with the relevant parties both local and abroad, to provide the required expertise.
77. In about two years’ time, CENTEXS is expected to welcome new trainees, with the setting up of another branch in Teng Bukap, Padawan that can accommodate up to 160 trainees at any one time. The courses offered will cater to the specific needs of industries in and around Serian Division.
Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker,
78. I must thank all Honourable Members who have provided inputs and recommendations for my Ministry to consider, and I can assure that all the inputs and recommendations will be diced and digested, and if deemed fit, implemented or recommended for policy directions. Those matters under the purview of the Federal Government will be escalated to the relevant authority.
Research and Innovation
Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker and all Honourable Members,
79. Allow me to spend a little more time to update this House on the status of innovations and research programmes and activities undertaken by my Ministry and agencies.
80. Rice, our staple food can now be formulated with starch from sago. If you do not have a discerning taste, you will not be able to differentiate between ordinary rice and sago starch rice. This effort by our CRAUN Research would provide opportunity to address food security and also to diversify sago products. I must commend our scientists and researchers at CRAUN for their efforts.
81. Research that SBC collaborated with Sarawak Research and Development Council (SRDC) in 2022 has yielded an encouraging outcome. The research that investigated natural compound in the biodiversity could prevent viral infection, specifically SARS COV 2. This discovery not only indicates promising prospects for the future but also underscores its potential financial benefits. Congratulations to our scientists and researchers at SBC.
82. Moving on to TROPI, a research entity specialising in peat soil, their research efforts have contributed to enriching the body of knowledge in their field. Being internationally recognised for their expertise among their peers, they are regularly invited to participate and present papers at international conferences and forums.
83. The data derived from their research are systematically archived in the TROPI Research Information Management System (TROPI RIMS). These datasets provide insights into environmental trends, patterns, and ecosystem biodiversity, among others contribute towards precise tracking of progress towards emission reduction goals.
Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker,
84. I am pleased to provide an update on the progress of the Sarawak Science Centre. Currently, the development has reached 20% completion, with plans for the center to be open to the public by Q4 2026. Last month, I led a delegation to Germany and Switzerland to benchmark against leading science centers in those countries, namely Experimenta, and Technorama. My Ministry is determined to ensure that our Sarawak Science Centre meets their standards of excellence.
85. Additionally, we had fruitful discussions with Hüttinger GMBH, our appointed manufacturer for the Center’s exhibits, regarding project timelines and details. We also had the opportunity to visit their factory and gain insights into their operations.
86. SIDC, our very own infectious disease research entity, despite not having their facilities ready have forayed into co-developing infectious disease diagnostic kits. For a start, diagnostic kits for malaria and tuberculosis.
87. Noteworthy progress has been achieved between the SIDC and renowned research centres from western Australia, South Korea, and Germany, in terms of knowledge exchange, training and technology sharing including harmonisation of research protocols.
88. I am proud that SIDC has been coopted as a member of the UK Southeast Asia Vaccine hub. Currently, the SIDC is in active discussion with UK SEA vaccine hub for potential investment in vaccine development, transfer of technology and manufacturing of vaccine in the upcoming SIDC facility.
Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker,
89. It delights me to inform members of this august House, on April 23rd, 2024, our very own SMD Semiconductor and Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult UK concluded a Memorandum of Understanding at the Parliament House, Westminster, London. This significant event was elevated by the gracious presence of the Right Honourable Premier of Sarawak, who witnessed the MoU exchange.
90. The MoU forges strategic alliances and collaborations with leading UK industry players. It will certainly catapult us to the highest position in the value chain of the semiconductor industry, and augurs well for our local talents.
Conclusion
Tan Sri Datuk Amar Speaker,
91. That about wraps up what I wanted to share with members of this august House today. Even though it can take a while to see the results of what we do, that is no reason for my Ministry to slack off. We still need to do our job and keep working hard to serve the rakyat.
92. We are only halfway through the year, and like seeds needing time to grow into trees, some results of our work will only show up later.
93. I take this opportunity to thank all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, both State and Federal, that have rendered their assistance to my Ministry to get things done. Not forgetting my deepest appreciation to all officers and staff of my Ministry who have worked tirelessly to ensure that work runs smoothly.
94. Tidaklah terlalu lambat untuk saya mengucapkan Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Maaf zahir dan batin kepada semua Muslimin dan Muslimat, di dalam atau di luar Dewan ini.
95. I also wish Happy Wesak Day to all those celebrating the occasion.
96. As Gawai is approaching, I wish all Dayak Selamat Ari Gawai, Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai, Lantang Senang, Nyuam Menoa. In Bidayuh, Sramat Gawai Ka so purug. Mite Tapa da nyiberkat kerja ta ka da prinyidapud ta ditambah yum seba adi re nug.
97. May God bless us all and keep us safe, united, harmonious, and make Sarawak peaceful and prosperous.
98. To end my winding up speech, I beg to support the motion of thanks on Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri address.
