One of the greatest obstacles to escaping poverty is the staggering cost of higher education.
– Chris van Hollen, US senator
I find the statement of the ‘Sarawakian’ class and ‘non-Sarawakian’ class by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian interestingly unique. Put together in a sentence, it is even original, or is it?
Speaking at an event in Kuching last Friday, Dr Sim said that Malaysia is heading towards being a country with two classes and one of the examples that will indicate these classes is the free tertiary education initiative by the state government.
When we talk of a country with two classes, it typically refers to a society that is characterised by a significant and pronounced division between two distinct social classes.
Social class divisions are often based on factors such as wealth, income, education and occupation. The two classes may have different levels of access to resources, opportunities and privileges, leading to distinct social and economic disparities.
But Dr Sim’s reference to two classes is not about social class divisions. He was talking about free tertiary education for Sarawakians, a proud initiative of the GPS government warmly welcomed and supported by all Sarawakians and surely, the envy of others too.
The deputy premier explained: “There is a possibility Sarawak will offer education with two classes – the Sarawakian class and non-Sarawakian class – in the future. What do I mean by ‘one country, two classes’?
“(For example) In the year 2026, those who belong to the Sarawakian class will study at Swinburne University for free. But if you are not Sarawakian, you have to pay tuition fees to study at the Higher Education Institution (IPT).
“And that will be the beginning of ‘one country, two classes’,” he said.
Dr Sim also described the move as critical as it will address Sarawak’s rights and this opportunity only comes after 60 years of independence. Rightly too.
The right to education is considered a fundamental human right and includes the principle of non-discrimination, emphasising that education should be accessible to all without discrimination based on race, gender, religion or other status.
Sarawak was right to introduce free tertiary education as the right to education extends to higher education as well.
As a Sarawakian, I acknowledge and appreciate the efforts made to ensure that citizens have the opportunity to pursue higher education based on their abilities and qualifications.
In announcing the good news last October, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said that Sarawakian students may be able to pursue free tertiary education at state-owned universities by 2026.
He expressed his optimism that the Sarawak government would be able to offer this education benefit in three years’ time given the economic strength of the state.
In an immediate reaction, Sarawak Bumiputera Teachers Union (KGBS) president Zulkiflee Sebli said that the policy would serve as an alternative avenue for Sarawakian students from poor families who may not be able to further their studies at a higher level due to financial constraints.
He also opined that this will allow all Sarawakian students to pursue studies regardless of their ethnic background.
The Sarawak DAP also welcomed the move, with its chairman Chong Chieng Jen urging the government to provide partial subsidies to Sarawakian students currently in their tertiary education, pending the planning to provide free tertiary education for students studying in universities in Sarawak.
I’m also glad that Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee has appealed for patience and not to rush the implementation of the free tertiary education move, stressing that it requires careful planning and systematic implementation.
He pointed out if the policy is implemented in a “half-cooked” manner, it could burden students rather than benefiting them.
“This is a big policy, which involves huge financial implications that we need to look into thoroughly. We anticipate a massive increase in the number of students enrolling in the state-owned institutions of higher learning (IPT), when this policy comes into effect later on.”
In this instance, Dr Rapaee certainly knows what he is talking about.
I’m happy for many aspects of free education but above all, I’m proud that my homeland, Sarawak, stands tall as it joins other countries smart enough to see economic benefits by investing in an educated workforce.
Indeed, a well-educated population can contribute to innovation, economic growth, and competitiveness in a globalised world.
Well, it feels good to know that Sarawak is a class above others in the country where tertiary education is concerned.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
