SRI AMAN – Sarawak has reiterated its push for greater autonomy in managing school facilities, citing overlapping federal procedures as a persistent barrier to timely repairs and upgrades.
Bukit Begunan Assemblyman Datuk Mong Dagang said the lack of full decision-making authority has led to bureaucratic delays, even for basic improvement works urgently needed by schools.
“When there is too much red tape tied to rules and procedures, even a simple repair project can become unnecessarily complicated for us. The Premier does not favour such constraints and is actively pursuing full autonomy from the Federal Government,” he explained.
Datuk Mong made the remarks while officiating the 2025 Annual Sports and Sukaneka Day organised by the SK Selepong Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) on Thursday.
He also encouraged students to embrace sports as part of a balanced lifestyle, stressing that physical activity contributes to both fitness and academic achievement. “Regular participation in sports helps enhance academic performance and nurtures first-class human capital essential for the state’s progress,” he said.
The event coincided with the official opening of SK Selepong’s new astaka, officiated by Datuk Mong and witnessed by Headmaster Sigai Kilau, PIBG chairman Dumy Milu, community leaders, and invited guests.
A total of 123 students took part in the sports day, competing across various categories. Team Perdana (red) emerged as overall champion, followed by Inspira, Exora, and Persona.
Observers note that Sarawak’s call for autonomy in school management aligns with its broader education agenda, which seeks to reduce dependency on federal procedures and empower local authorities to act more swiftly.
The state government has consistently argued that decentralisation would allow schools to address infrastructure needs more efficiently, ensuring a conducive learning environment for students.
The sports day at SK Selepong not only celebrated student achievements but also underscored the importance of holistic education, combining academic excellence with physical development.
The event reflected Sarawak’s vision of nurturing well-rounded individuals who can contribute to the state’s long-term progress.
