Steering, not stifling student potential

KUCHING: The Sarawak government has defended its free tertiary education policy, dismissing criticism from Democratic Action Party Socialist Youth (DAPSY) Sarawak as short-sighted and politically motivated.
Political Secretary to the Premier, Abdul Samat Gany, said the policy aimed for implementation by 2026, was not about restricting student choices but about ensuring the state develops the right human capital to fuel its economic growth.
“While we have announced free tertiary education, it requires careful planning to ensure the best outcomes for Sarawak,” he said in a statement today (Dec 22).
He likened the government’s role to a father guiding his children’s career paths to align with the family business, ensuring their future security.
“We are prioritising fields like STEM and TVET to meet the demands of our emerging high-tech economy,” he said.
“Excessive graduates in certain fields can lead to job mismatch and unemployment.”
He highlighted that national statistics show a concerningly low enrolment in STEM courses, and Sarawak is no exception.
“Our free education initiative encourages students to pursue these critical disciplines, equipping them with the skills needed for a successful future in Sarawak and beyond,” he stressed.
He urged DAPSY to consider the long-term vision of the policy rather than resorting to cheap political mileage.
“This is about creating a skilled workforce that will drive Sarawak’s development and ensure its long-term prosperity,” he added.