Sarawak group calls for dedicated ICSS funding, UEC recognition, inclusion in national education
KUCHING (June 8):The federal Finance Ministry is urged to set up a dedicated 'Independent Chinese Secondary Schools (ICSS) Education Development Grant' to serve as a regular and ongoing source of funding for these schools.
This resolution was adopted by the Sarawak United Association of Private Chinese Secondary School Management Board during its recent annual general meeting (AGM).
The association said this grant should be available to all ICSS nationwide to help improve educational facilities, campus buildings and teacher training.
'This support is important to raise education quality and ensure fair distribution of resources among schools,' said the association in a statement today.
Another resolution called on the Ministry of Education (MoE) to establish a regular dialogue platform involving the federal government, Sarawak govenrment and the association.
This platform, the association explained, would enable ongoing discussions on policies, resources and cooperation, helping to address the needs of ICSS, support effective policy implementation and align ICSS development with national talent goals.
Additionally, it urged the MoE to revise its policies to formally recognise ICSS as a vital and legitimate part of the national education system.
'The long-standing contributions of ICSS and their dedication to mother-tongue education should be affirmed, with appropriate policy support and official recognition granted,' it said.
The association also called on the federal government to fully recognise Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), especially for admission to public universities, civil service recruitment and professional qualification registration.
'Full recognition of the UEC is important to ensure equal opportunities for all students, promote fairness and inclusion and support the nation's commitment to multiculturalism and diverse education pathways.'
In another resolution, the association urged MPs to back efforts in Parliament to officially recognise the UEC through laws and policies, which they believe will help create a fair, inclusive and diverse education system.
'We support working closely with both ruling and opposition parties to explain the education goals of ICSS and the importance of the UEC. This is to gain understanding and support from all sides,' it explained.
Furthermore, it urged political leaders, public figures and the media to speak responsibly and refrain from making statements that could inflame racial tensions, in line with safeguarding national unity and social harmony.
Towards this end, it called upon the federal government to enforce laws and promote multicultural education to create a fair, inclusive and trusting environment for public discussion.
The association also encouraged Putrajaya to take a more open and inclusive approach in recognising the important role of ICSS within the national education system, advocating for reforms that provide proper recognition and support to these schools.
It proposed that the federal government adopt the Sarawak government's approach toward ICSS and actively engage in dialogue and cooperation with all political parties.
'Only through collaborative efforts across the political spectrum can key policies such as the recognition of the UEC, be advanced to promote educational equity and support diverse development, truly reflecting the vision of 'One Nation, Unity in Diversity',' it said.
According to the association, ICSS is an important part of the country's educational and cultural diversity.
It believed that formal recognition and support will help close policy gaps, promote unity, develop diverse talents and strengthen the nation's overall competitiveness.
'We remain committed to working together with the federal government, Sarawak government, all political parties and education partners to build a fair, inclusive,and high-quality national education system,' it said.
Providing background on ICSS, the association noted that these schools have operated mainly through their own funding, having nurtured many bilingual or trilingual students who perform well academically and have strong moral values.
It emphasised that these schools are an important part of the national education system.
'However, the federal government has not yet fully recognised UEC. Because of this, UEC qualifications are not accepted for entry into public universities or the civil service, limiting students' chances for higher education and jobs.
'This has led to a loss of talent and creates a major obstacle to fair education and building a diverse and inclusive talent pool in the country,' added the association.
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