The Cabinet Committee on Sabah and Sarawak Bumiputeras chaired by Prime Minister Najib Razak will meet next month to discuss issues especially concerning mission schools in the two states.

Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Bernard Dompok, who chairs the Technical Committee for Sabah and Sarawak Bumiputeras, said he had forwarded the suggestions and views from all parties from both states, especially on mission schools, for the government's consideration.
 
"The federal government has reacted positively to the suggestions. To this end, a meeting, chaired by the prime minister as the chairman of the main committee, will be held next month," he told reporters after declaring open the Sekolah Kebangsaan St Paul Kolopis' resource centre, near Penampang, Sabah today.

Dompok, who is also United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) president said the federal government was serious in assisting the mission schools in Sabah and Sarawak.

Green light to Bible Knowledge subject

This was proven with the government giving its go-ahead for Bible Knowledge to be made an elective subject at the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination.

"The government also allows mission school premises to be used for after-school bible studies," he said.

On the appointment of headmasters, principles and senior teachers in such schools, Dompok said the matter would be among issues to be discussed at the committee's meeting.

"It is clear that the existence of mission schools has benefitted pupils and students, especially those in the rural areas," he said.

Earlier in his speech, Dompok said mission schools played important roles in the country's education, particularly in upholding the national language.

He expressed the hope that these schools would also strengthen the teaching of English, saying it was an important global language.

- Bernama