PUSA: The Sarawak Malay Strategic Plan (PSMS) 2035 targets 50 per cent of Sarawak Malay families to have degrees and another 50 per cent to have quality diplomas.
Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee said empirical data was presented on issues and challenges in Sarawak Malay education at the 6th Sarawak Malay Cultural Seminar 2013.
According to him, the main issue that needs attention is ensuring excellence among students at primary school level, which stands at average which as a result has led to a decline in performance at secondary school level.
“This involves a decrease in motivation, self-confidence and the personality of the students themselves.
“In this regard, the Excellent Malay Islamic Student Course (KPMIC) is justified in line with the Sarawak Malay Strategic Plan (PSMS) 2035 to strengthen the soft skills of Sarawak Malay students.
“This is in an effort to achieve the target of increasing the achievement of primary and secondary education to ensure 50 per cent of Sarawak Malay families have degrees and another 50 per cent have quality diplomas,” he said.
He said this when officiating the KPMIC organised by the Sarawak Malay Cultural Foundation (AKYBMS) Charity Trust at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Pusa, yesterday.
KPMIC is organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Education Malaysia, Sarawak State Education Department (JPNS), Sarawak Malay Graduates Association (IGMS), Parent and Teacher Association (PIBG), District Education Office (PPD), schools and individuals.
The first series of KPMIC was held at SMK Sundar, Lawas on Aug 24 , while the second was at SMK Agama Sibu on Oct 26.
Dr Annuar also touched on assistance for continuing their studies up to the level of higher learning institutions, for which the government provides loans and scholarships.
“The Sarawak Baitulmal Fund (TBS) also provides assistance for continuing their studies.
“By 2026, the Sarawak government will offer free higher education for students to continue their studies at institutions of higher learning owned by the state government,” he added.
Beting assemblyman Maro Razaili Gapor, Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier Sayed Azmee Wan Junaidi, SMK Pusa Principal Saini Bakar and KPMIC Programme Chairman Awangku Azizul Awang Omar also attended.
