KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has defended the state's decision to focus on English in education, citing its essential role in preparing a globally competitive workforce.
In the Keluar Sekejap interview hosted by Khairy Jamaluddin and Shahril Hamdan yesterday (July 22), Abang Johari said English is more than just a common language.
He said proficiency in English is crucial for enabling Sarawakians to excel in high-growth industries, renewable energy, and scientific fields.
He added that a skilled workforce is also vital for Sarawak's future, ensuring that young Sarawakians have the language capabilities necessary to compete on the global stage.
"At the end of the day, you want Sarawakians who can become part of the new economy, but you need English.
"If our children are well educated in English, their future is bright. But if we are confined to ourselves, we become 'syok sendiri' (full of ourselves) and become kampung (village) champions.
"Do we want kampung champions or global champions?" he said.
Abang Johari, however, denied that the decision to focus on English would disrupt the state's curriculum.
He assured that Sarawak will continue to adhere to the national curriculum stipulated by the Education Ministry.
"We only want to give some authority to the Sarawak education director for infrastructure development.
"In Malaysia, the education sector is divided into two categories, national policy and private education. What we are implementing still uses Malay as the national language while incorporating English.
"I am using this opportunity to develop private schools and universities owned by Sarawak."