SRI AMAN: Sarawak continues to push for full autonomy in the management of school facilities as overlapping federal procedures remain a major obstacle to efficient repairs and upgrades.

Bukit Begunan Assemblyman Datuk Mong Dagang said the lack of full decision-making power has resulted in bureaucratic delays, even for basic improvement works that schools urgently need.

“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 said.

He delivered the remarks when officiating the 2025 Annual Sports and Sukaneka Day of SK Selepong Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) held at the school on Thursday.

Datuk Mong also encouraged students to embrace sports as part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle, noting that physical activity contributes not only to fitness but also to improved learning outcomes.

He said regular participation in sports “helps enhance academic performance and nurtures first-class human capital essential for the state’s progress.”

The event also marked the official opening of the school’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 competed across various categories, with Team Perdana (red) emerging overall champion, followed by Inspira, Exora, and Persona. -UKASnews