Chung Hua Middle School No.4 has made a significant decision to return its current building to the Sarawak government in exchange for the construction of a new school. The Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, revealed this development after negotiations with the school’s board of directors. The building, located on Jalan Haji Taha in Kuching, will be transformed into a heritage area, preserving the legacy of its previous owner, the patriotic Sarawakian leader Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Abdillah.
Expressing his gratitude to the Sarawak Private Chinese Secondary Schools Charitable Trust for their willingness to establish a new school, Abang Johari emphasized the importance of recognizing Malay land rights. He hopes that the building and its surroundings will be conserved as a historic heritage area, serving as a center for commemorating Sarawak’s liberation struggle within Malaysia.
While the current location of Chung Hua Middle School No.4 is deemed unsuitable for educational purposes, the Sarawak government plans to develop a new school that better fulfills the needs of the students. This move aligns with the government’s commitment to education and ensures a conducive learning environment for future generations.
In another exciting development, the launch of the Hikmah Exchange Convention Centre on Jalan Haji Taha is set to make it Sarawak’s first smart building. Abang Johari believes that converting the existing building of Chung Hua Middle School No.4 into a heritage area will complement the preservation efforts amidst rapid development. However, he also stressed the importance of increased Bumiputera participation in commercial property investment to achieve this goal.
To foster a balanced view on the matter, Abang Johari called on the Malay community to actively engage in commercial property investment. Encouraging their involvement will help protect Sarawak’s land from erosion while ensuring the preservation of heritage sites like the building previously owned by Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Abdillah.
By adhering to these guidelines, the Sarawak government aims to maintain both the historical significance of the area and its commitment to modern development. The transformation of Chung Hua Middle School No.4’s building into a heritage area will serve as a testament to Sarawak’s rich history and its journey towards progress.
