Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau has outlined four key policy proposals aimed at safeguarding the sustainability and future development of Independent Chinese Secondary Schools (ICSSs) in Sarawak.
Speaking at a press conference, the Sibu paramount Chinese leader highlighted that these proposals address long-standing challenges faced by ICSSs and emphasize the necessity for fair, inclusive, and pragmatic education policies.
Significant Contributions and Recent Announcements
“The ICSS have made significant contributions to Sarawak’s and Malaysia’s human capital development, yet they continue to face policy inequities that must be addressed,” he stressed.
Lau welcomed the recent announcement by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg regarding the allocation of sponsored places at the University of Cambridge for top Sarawak students, describing it as a forward-looking move in high-level talent development.
Regulatory Issues and Proposed Changes
Lau suggested that the Outstanding Student Sponsorship Scheme should be expanded to include Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) graduates.
“Since Sarawak officially recognised the UEC in 2015, including for public service recruitment, the state has demonstrated a strong commitment to an inclusive and diverse education landscape,” he mentioned, adding that ICSS has consistently delivered strong outcomes, especially in science and mathematics, with many graduates gaining admission to renowned universities worldwide.
On regulatory issues, Lau called for a permanent exemption for ICSSs from the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) levy, noting that the schools are currently granted only a one-year exemption.
“As non-profit education providers, our schools and teachers do not benefit from the scheme but are instead burdened with additional administrative requirements,” he pointed out.
Further Recommendations
Lau also urged the federal Ministry of Finance to exempt ICSSs from the mandatory implementation of the e-Invoice system.
He stated that this system was designed to regulate commercial transactions and, therefore, was not suitable for non-profit educational institutions where funds are fully reinvested into education.
“This policy mismatch creates unnecessary administrative and technical pressure on schools,” he added.
Moreover, Lau called upon the federal government to amend the Income Tax Act 1967 to allow donations to ICSS to be tax-deductible.
According to him, the current arrangement, which recognizes donations to national schools but not ICSS, contradicts the principle of fairness in education.
Conclusion
“Recognising such donations would acknowledge the community’s long-standing support for mother tongue education,” he remarked.
Lau further urged the federal government to adopt fair, inclusive, and practical education policies that would strengthen Malaysia’s multi-stream education system while promoting social harmony and long-term national development.
The post Key policy proposals put forth to safeguard independent Chinese secondary schools in Sarawak appeared first on Borneo Post Online.
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