KUCHING: The Sarawak government is demanding for devolution and decentralisation of education, rather than getting full autonomy, as it is a federal matter.
 
According to Sarawak Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, devolution and decentralisation are the right terms to describe the state’s current efforts with regards to the education sector, with each term having their respective legal effects.
 
However, he stressed that the state government may revisit the demand for education autonomy when the need arises in the future.
 
“Members (Assemblymen) for Batu Kitang, Kota Sentosa and Bawang Assan delved into the matter of MA63 (Malaysia Agreement 1963), in relation to education autonomy.
 
“Again, let me reiterate that the proper terminologies are devolution and decentralisation as they have legal effect,” he said in his ministerial winding up speech during the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Session on Monday.
 
Dato Sri Roland Sagah added, several matters have been agreed upon between the Sarawak government and Federal government through the Ministry of Education (MoE).
 
These, among others, include the delegation of authority to the Director of the Sarawak State Education Department (JPNS) to permit school development projects and educational programmes funded by the Sarawak government or other parties, sharing of information and data, and the usage of English as a medium of instruction for Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Additional Mathematics at the secondary school level.
 
Furthermore, MoE through JPNS will seek advice from the Sarawak Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) on matters of importance to Sarawak, besides actively involving the ministry in educational project initiation, planning and management to ensure local circumstances are given due consideration.
 
MoE has also agreed in principle for Sarawak to establish a standardised assessment system for the Sarawak Dual Language Programme (DLP), he said.
 
“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.
 
“Guided by our Attorney General Chambers, my Ministry and 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.
 
“In matters extending beyond the jurisdiction of the MoE such as the recruitment of teachers, waiver for requirement of land alienated to FLC (Federal Lands Commissioner) 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,” he said. -UKASnews