Education Key to Unity and Progress in Sarawak, Says Rentap Jabu

KUCHING, Oct 27 — Education has the power to unite people beyond racial boundaries and must remain the cornerstone of Sarawak’s inclusive and progressive development, said Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu.

Speaking at the 100th anniversary celebration of SJK(C) Chung Hua Betong recently, Rentap said the school exemplifies unity through education, with more than 60 per cent of its students comprising Bumiputera.

“This proves that education can bring people together regardless of race,” he said, as reported by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).

He emphasised that education plays a vital role in nurturing a knowledgeable and competitive society, which is essential for achieving Sarawak’s long-term development goals.

“Efforts to strengthen education are in line with the vision of our Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who places strong emphasis on improving access to education for all levels of society.

“Starting next year, a total of 64 university courses in Sarawak will be offered free to empower the people through knowledge,” he said.

In conjunction with the celebration, Rentap also announced an allocation of RM110,000 for the SJK(C) Chung Hua Betong Management Board — comprising RM50,000 from Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, RM50,000 from himself, and RM10,000 from Betong MP Dato Dr Richard Rapu.

The centennial celebration, themed “100 Years of Educating, Uniting and Continuing the Legacy,” drew around 1,000 guests. The event featured student performances, a historical exhibition chronicling the school’s century-long journey, and a reunion of former students and teachers.

–Borneo Post