SIBU: The Sarawak government will continue to reinforce its commitment to quality education through the implementation of the Dual Language Programme (DLP), a policy that is considered to be an important basis for preparing the state’s younger generation for global challenges.
Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Youth chief councillor Kevin Lau Kor Jie said the implementation of the DLP also ensured that Sarawakians not only received the best education at the local level, but were also able to compete globally, making them more competitive and ready to lead the future of the state and country.
“Education is a very close issue in my heart and in the people of Sarawak, especially in ensuring that the future of children continues to be bright and secure.
“Since its launch in 2016, the DLP has been introduced with a clear objective of improving the quality of teaching and learning at the school level, with the main focus of the two languages, namely Bahasa Malaysia and English implemented in all primary schools in Sarawak, where subjects such as mathematics and science are taught in English.
“At the same time, the programme will expand its implementation to the secondary level, including the subject of Chemistry and Physics, where teaching will continue to be implemented in English,” he said at the meet-the-people session at Rumah Ukar Senin, Sungai Igan near here on Sunday (Dec 29).
According to Lau, who is also Bawang Assan SUPP chairman, the DLP policy is not only to improve the quality of education in schools in Sarawak, but also to provide children with the skills needed in the fields of science and technology that will be a key point in industrial development in the state.
He noted that this policy is also a strategic step in preparing Sarawakians with a broader and more relevant knowledge of the global job market.
“In addition to introducing the programme, the Sarawak government has also taken further steps by planning the implementation of the DLP standard assessment.
“This assessment, which will begin in 2025 for Year Six students, followed by Form three students in 2028, aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of the programme and to ensure that students are recognised based on their achievement in the use of two languages, especially in the subjects of Science and Mathematics.”
However, Lau does not deny that there are concerns that some who feel that this DLP policy may result in neglect of Bahasa Malaysia.
He emphasised that Bahasa Malaysia will remain respected and undeniable in this education system.
Lau also expressed his agreement with the statement of Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, who mentioned that English acts as language to pursue further knowledge in science.
“And from what we see, our point of view is that we do not restrict unity among our multi-racial and religious but the point of view is that our children get the full benefits of our education system and so that they can be more advanced forward.
“We have never intended to ignore the Bahasa Malaysia. On the contrary, what we want to achieve is to ensure that our children can take advantage of our education, not only for local needs, but also to compete in the international arena,” Lau explained.
He also warned that in order to ensure that this progressive education policy is successfully implemented, political stability in Sarawak is an aspect that cannot be underestimated.
Taking an excerpt from Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s speech, Lau noted that strong political stability is fundamental to continued progress in the education sector.
“Political stability led by the people’s unity is a key requirement to ensure that these good policies can continue and benefit the next generation,” Lau added.
Meanwhile, Sibu Division Iban community leader Temenggong Stanley Gramong, who also spoke, urged all longhouse chiefs to always be concerned about the problems in their longhouses.
According to him, as leaders in the longhouse area, it is important for them to establish a good relationship with their residents.
“If you have a good relationship, then your job is easier and smoother. Never ignore your residents as you have been entrusted to take care of them,” he said.
