Kuching: The Democratic Action Party Socialist Youth (DAPSY) Sarawak has called on the state government to expand its free tertiary education initiative to include all Sarawakian students, urging that they be allowed to choose any university and field of study.
Its Secretary, George Lam, said that this would ensure that all current and future Sarawakian students truly benefit from the policy.
“I believe the State Government should not restrict students to institutions owned by Yayasan Sarawak to qualify for free tertiary education.
“Instead, regardless of the university or programme, the State should channel full sponsorship through Yayasan Sarawak to cover the tuition fees of all Sarawakian students,” he said in a statement.
Lam made this call in response to recent remarks by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who indicated that students of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sarawak would be excluded from the State’s free tertiary education initiative.
He welcomed the State Government’s intention to introduce free tertiary education but stressed that students should have the autonomy to make their own choices regarding universities and fields of study based on their interests and future aspirations.
Highlighting that Yayasan Sarawak falls entirely under State jurisdiction, Lam emphasised that the government has both the authority and responsibility to implement this initiative immediately.
He also urged the extension of free-education benefits to students in TVET and skills-based institutions, enabling them to gain expertise and contribute to Sarawak’s industries.
“The government should not use jurisdictional technicalities to exclude Sarawakian students. It must fully utilise its existing powers to formulate stronger education policies, retain local talent, and allow our youths to study in their homeland before contributing to Sarawak’s future,” Lam added.
He concluded by urging the Sarawak Government to immediately revise its policy to fund tuition fees for both current and future university students, removing restrictions on courses and institutions so that the benefits reach all eligible Sarawakians.
