Sarawak’s free tertiary education initiative will not extend to Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sarawak, as both are federally administered, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said. Speaking at the Sarawak Premier’s Special Award (AKPS) 2025 ceremony at Satria Pertiwi Complex, he explained that the state must respect the governance and policies of federal universities, which are managed by their respective senates and adhere to national regulations.
“Unimas and UiTM are federal institutions. We cannot interfere because it may contradict policies in Peninsular Malaysia. Their governance is under the university senate, so it is difficult for us to intervene,” Abang Johari said.
For state-owned higher education institutions, the government can provide free education and financial aid. For federal universities, the state will offer RM1,200 in pocket money to students. Additional support is provided for postgraduate medical students, given Sarawak’s shortage of doctors, and for students pursuing emerging fields such as finance and carbon trading.
Abang Johari stressed that Sarawak’s long-term development relies on nurturing a knowledgeable and innovative generation, beyond just physical infrastructure like roads and buildings. He also expressed concern over automatic student promotion without examinations, warning that it could weaken students’ mastery of core subjects.
During the ceremony, awards were presented to 12 recipients for outstanding achievements in the 2024 Assessment Year. Highlights include:
- Secondary school award: SMK(A) Sheikh Haji Othman Abdul Wahab, Padawan
- Primary school award: SK Bandar Limbang
- Outstanding Secondary School Principal: Tan Kok Aun, SMK Rosli Dhoby, Sibu
- Outstanding Primary School Headmaster: Sahat Yakup, SK Dato Traoh Muara Tuang, Samarahan
- Excellent Teacher Awards: Yew Ko Woo (urban), Chung Sze Meang (rural)
- SPM Overall Award: Hannah Toh Hong Na, SMK Tung Hua, Sibu
- STPM Overall Award: Kong Wei Hang, SMK Sungai Merah, Sibu
Also recognised were top-performing officers and parent-teacher associations, including Magdaline Jon (Outstanding Officer) and SMK Agama Miri (Best PIBG 2024).
Among those present were Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Annuar Rapa’ee, State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, and Yayasan Sarawak director Datu Mohamad Junaidi Mohidin.
