KUCHING: In his Christmas message, Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar stressed the importance of education for the wellbeing of future generations in the state.
He said a quality education agenda is key to producing human capital and a generation that will become the future leaders of the state.
"The education agenda is decisive for our future success. It is important to ensure that our children have the opportunity to continue their studies and develop their potential to the optimum level," he said.
The state government, he added, is always committed and determined to give priority to the provision of quality education to all Sarawakians.
He said the Sarawak government's commitment to empowering the education agenda is very high, including giving free education for all students to pursue their studies at state-owned higher-learning institutions starting from 2026.
"Therefore, I believe that the Sarawak government is also working hard to bridge the digital transformation gap, especially in the field of education and use it to develop society without any groups being left out, including those living in rural areas.
"This is very important because every Sarawakian has the space to enjoy a better life through digital transformation opportunities in their daily activities," the governor said.
He praised the state government's decision to maintain standard examinations in the state, saying that it is a reasonable and appropriate move.
"The examinations aim to prepare the younger generation to be more prepared and capable in facing the challenges of adult life.
"We do not want to produce a society that is weak or uncompetitive in the future," he said.
Wan Junaidi also paid tribute to the security forces who are always on standby to ensure the country's safety.
"It is generally understood that security is a key element in ensuring the stability of a sovereign region.
"As citizens who love our homeland, we all have a duty and role in maintaining security in general, especially in pluralistic communities," he said.
Wan Junaidi, a former police officer, called on the people to remain aware and vigilant against threats such as cybercrime, the spread of fake news and any action that could threaten harmony.
"We should never choose to be extreme, especially in expressing opinions on social media, for example, because it can invite threats, incitement and anxiety in the community.
"Such attitudes and actions are clearly not accepted among the Sarawakian community because it is detrimental and contributes to the collapse of unity in the socio-cultural plural society in this sovereign territory," he added.