Key policy proposals put forth to safeguard independent Chinese secondary schools in Sarawak
by Michael Ubam · Borneo Post OnlineSIBU (Dec 15): 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 here on Saturday, the Sibu paramount Chinese leader said the proposals reflected long-standing challenges faced by ICSSs and underscored the need for fair, inclusive and pragmatic education policies.
“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 about 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.
Lau said 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 said, adding that the ICSS had consistently delivered strong outcomes, particularly in science and mathematics, with many graduates having gained 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.
Lau also urged the federal Ministry of Finance to exempt ICSSs from the mandatory implementation of the e-Invoice system.
He said the system was designed to regulate commercial transactions and thus, was not suited to non-profit educational institutions where the funds were fully reinvested into education.
“This policy mismatch creates an unnecessary administrative and technical pressure on schools.”
In addition, Lau called upon the federal government to amend the Income Tax Act 1967 to allow donations to the ICSS to be tax-deductible.
According to him, the current arrangement, which recognises donations to national schools but not ICSSs, contradicted the principle of fairness in education.
“Recognising such donations would acknowledge the community’s long-standing support for mother tongue education,” he said.
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.