KOTA KINABALU: The proposal for a Borneo education system should be given serious consideration by the governments of Sabah and Sarawak, said social activist Datuk James Ligunjang.
The former Petagas assemblyman said a Borneo education system would allow for a tailored curriculum and education policies that are better suited to the needs and aspirations of the people in Sabah and Sarawak.
According to Ligunjang, the current education system in Malaysia is centralised, with policies and curriculum primarily designed for Peninsular Malaysia.
“This often results in a lack of relevance and cultural sensitivity in the education provided to the people of Sabah and Sarawak.
“By having their own education system, Sabah and Sarawak would have the opportunity to develop educational programmes that reflect their unique needs and cultural identities,” he said in his latest social media posting.
He said having a Borneo education system could assist in addressing the educational disparities between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak.
Historically, the two Borneo states have faced similar challenges regarding access to quality education, infrastructure, and resources, he added.
“By having their own education system, Sabah and Sarawak can prioritise and allocate resources effectively to address these disparities. This would help bridge the educational gap and ensure that students in Sabah and Sarawak have equal opportunities for quality education,” he said.
Ligunjang said granting the state governments of Sabah and Sarawak greater control over education policies and decisions would enable them to better respond to the specific needs and challenges faced by their respective states.
“A Borneo education system could foster regional collaboration and knowledge sharing. By establishing their own education system, Sabah and Sarawak would have the opportunity to collaborate and share best practices with other countries or regions.
“This exchange of knowledge and experiences could lead to innovative solutions and improvements in the overall quality of education in the Borneo States,” he said.
He said this system would allow for a more suitable education for the people in these states, address educational disparities, enhance regional collaboration, and provide better responses to the specific needs and challenges faced by Sabah and Sarawak.
“Sabah and Sarawak working together will pave the way for greater understanding and collaboration,” he said.
