The Sarawak United Association of Private Chinese Secondary School Management Board (SUAPCSSMB) has urged the government to systematically allocate funds for the 14 Chinese independent schools in the state, which are running short of funds every year.

SUAPCSSMB president Temenggong Vincent Lau Lee Ming said the minimal school fees collected from the Chinese independent schools were barely sufficient to meet the operational expenses.

"Each year, the 14 Chinese independent schools run into deficit of millions of ringgit and we sincerely hope the government would increase the quantum of assistance in whatever form in the years ahead.    

"We hope the federal and state government will systematically allocate funds to the independent schools annually," he said at the presentation of financial contributions and scholarships ceremony at Wisma Sarawak Timber Association (STA) in Kuching today.

STA, through its wholly-owned company, STA Mutual Sdn Bhd today contributed RM350,000 to 14 private Chinese secondary schools, SUAPCSSMB, Persatuan Kebangsaan Kenyah Sarawak, Kuching Branch and Sarawak Social Welfare Council today.

STA also provides scholarships to local students pursing degree courses related to forestry and timber trade industry in Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) and Universiti Putra Malaysia since 2005.

Currently, there are 60 Chinese independent schools in the country.

UEC exams not recognised

Meanwhile, Lau urged the government to recognise the Chinese Independent Schools' Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), which is equivalent to the STPM, to prevent a brain drain.

He said many of the UEC holders who obtained excellent results however failed to enter any public universities in the country, as the government did not recognise the UEC.

"Because of this, they accept scholarships and financial assistance to further their education abroad. Young graduates often may not return to serve our country, which we deem as a great loss to our nation," he said.

- Bernama