Will Sarawak gain autonomy over education and health matters?

Question

Accepted Answer

Sarawak's Hopes for Education and Health Autonomy Under Unity Government

Sarawak's Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development I, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, has expressed significant hope that the state will soon achieve autonomy over education and health matters under the newly formed unity federal government. This aspiration is largely rooted in Point 33 of Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) manifesto for the 15th general election, which specifically mentioned the decentralisation of power to Sarawak and Sabah, encompassing autonomy in these critical sectors. While the sentiment and past discussions indicate a strong desire for this change, the provided information does not confirm the definitive granting of such autonomy.
Past Commitments to Decentralisation

The concept of decentralising power to Sarawak and Sabah, including specific provisions for educational and health autonomy, has been a recurring theme in political discourse. Pakatan Harapan's GE15 manifesto explicitly included the decentralisation of power as Point 33, signalling an intention to address these long-standing demands from the East Malaysian states. The formation of the current unity government, which includes Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), has further fuelled optimism that these commitments may be realised.
Progress on Dilapidated Schools

While the broader autonomy remains a subject of hope, tangible progress has been made in addressing educational infrastructure issues within Sarawak. Since 2019, a total of 247 dilapidated schools across the state were identified for necessary repair works. Of these, 62 schools have already undergone significant renovations, representing approximately 25 per cent of the identified cases. The remaining 185 schools are currently in various stages of planning and construction for their repairs, a process that has been actively pursued, particularly following the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ongoing Pursuit of Educational Matters

The issue of educational autonomy for Sarawak has been raised on numerous occasions prior to the establishment of the current federal unity government. This persistent focus highlights a sustained effort by Sarawak to gain greater control over its education sector. The recent formation of the unity government has been viewed positively by Sarawak leaders, with the state's Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development I, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, expressing gratitude for the new political alignment and its potential to facilitate the realisation of these autonomy aspirations.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

Will Sarawak gain autonomy over education and health matters?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends