S'WAK POLLS Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem announced an RM2 million development grant for the Riam Road Secondary School in Miri.

In announcing the allocation at a dinner organised by the school's management last night, Adenan said the assistance from the state government was part of the RM5 million allocated to all Chinese independent schools in the state this year.

He also pledged that the funding from the state government to Chinese independent schools in Sarawak would be increased from RM5 million to RM6 million next year.

"In 2015 and 2016, I allocated RM4 million and RM5 million respectively to all Chinese independent schools in Sarawak. I can pledge that it will be increased to RM6 million next year," he said.

Adenan said he would persuade the federal government to change its current policy to recognise the United Examination Certificate (UEC) of Chinese schools.

"I am the first CM to give allocations to Chinese independent schools, recognise them and the UEC. I will persuade the federal government to follow our step too," he said.

UEC is the standardised examination for Chinese independent high school students, organised by Dong Zong, the United Chinese School Committees Association of Malaysia (UCSCAM).

New building for the school

At the dinner, Adenan also signed on the foundation stone for the construction of a new building for SMP Jalan Riam, on a 4,046.86sq-ft plot of land, behind the school.

Also present at the dinner were BN candidate for Senadin, Lee Kim Shin, BN candidate for Piasau, Sebastian Ting and SMP Riam Road chief executive officer Law Kiu Kiong.

Meanwhile, Lee expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister and the state government for recognising the contribution of Chinese education in the development of Sarawak.

"Thank you CM for being the pillar of strength to continue providing quality Chinese education to the whole community," he said.

Lee said Adenan’s people-friendly policies were testimony of a strong leadership and a true leader.

Early voting for the Sarawak election starts today, while polling day will be this Saturday.

- Bernama