KUCHING, Nov 7 2026: Premier Abang Johari Openg has assured that the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) will stay, in response to some critics who have expressed doubts about its introduction.
"Some have questioned whether the scheme will stop the brain drain in Malaysia from happening while others have asked whether the government is wasting money if these students move overseas to work after enjoying free education," he posed at SHEDA annual dinner tonight.
"Although we cannot predict the future, our main priority is to prepare graduates whose skillset aligns with Sarawak’s aspirations," he said, adding that the state government is confident that in this process, it is building a future-oriented, Sarawak-centric economy that all graduates, whether Sarawakian or not, will want to be a part of.
In his text of speech read by Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian, Abang Johari said the Sarawak government is doing its part in increasing the talent pool by providing eligible Sarawakians with access to higher education without tuition fees through FTES.
He said the returns on investment the state ultimately seeks are world-ranked, globally recognised Sarawakian graduates who choose to develop Sarawak, not because they are forced through financial bonds or coercion, but of their own free will "because they see the value in contributing to the well-being of Sarawak’s people."
The premier believed that the people will remain the pulse of the state's progress.
He said the state government wants Sarawakians to find opportunities, build fulfilling lives and prosper here.
"We believe that in time, prosperity and profitability will follow people who are empowered," he said, adding that the Sarawak government is investing in human capital today because we are building ROI (return on investment) into the fabric of the Sarawak economy of tomorrow.
About 6,246 young Sarawakians are benefitting from the scheme, with more than half coming from lower-income families, this year.
In 2027, this figure is projected to grow to 10,600 students, supported by a budgeted allocation of RM200 million.
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