Media Conference Statement by Wong Ho Leng in Sibu on Wednesday, 5^th May 2010:

Wong Soon Koh should make public which courses offered by Laila Taib College (LTC) have been approved by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) as well as which international organizations or universities have recognized or certified such courses

I urge Sibu SUPP Chairman Wong Soon Koh to make public which courses offered by Laila Taib College have been approved by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and which international organizations or universities have recognised or certified such courses.

Have these courses been certified by the Public Service Department? This is important to the rakyat as they have the right to know if they are allowed to serve in the public sector as LTC graduates.

We hope to see more universities established in Sibu and Sarawak in general, however, we are also very concerned about the quality of the courses that are being offered. We should not elevate the college into a university blindly; we do not want our graduates to become jobless after they complete their university education.

I have reservations about the way the academic level of LTC has suddenly been improved and upgraded until it can be recognized by the MQA in the run-up to the Sibu by-election. Will the LTC suddenly become a world-class university if the general election is to be held next year?

I urge Wong Soon Koh not to avoid this critical question as it has direct implications on the future development of the education of Sarawakians. Education issues should not be politicized and become an issue in the by-election, as this not only distorts the true meaning of education but 'sells out' the public interest of all Sarawakians.

* Wong Ho Leng, DAP Sarawak Chairman & State Assemblyman for Bukit Assek