Ding (fifth left) receives the appeal letter from Lau, while (from second left) William, Wong and others look on. – Photo by Peter Boon
SIBU (Sept 8): The Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) has been brought to the attention of Clement Lee, who despite achieved a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.0 in last year’s Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM), has failed to secure an offer to study medicine at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas).
SUPP Education Bureau chairman Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing remarked Lee’s case as of genuine interest, having scored 4As in STPM 2023.
Lee’s plight came to light after his mother, Lau Hee Ming, made the disclosure at a press conference during SUPP Dudong’s ‘Kopitiam Talk’ here today.
In this regard, both Ding and SUPP Dudong branch chairman Wong Ching Yong jointly assisted the mother in submitting an appeal to the relevant authorities and forwarded the appeal letter to Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian for further action.
“We will try to submit the appeal to our party president and Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
“So, hopefully, through his channel, he (Dr Sim) can help to fulfil the dream of Clement Lee,” said Ding, responding to how SUPP will assist on the matter.
Earlier, Lau informed that her son, a Science Stream student was notified about his application status in University Central Unit (UPU) on Sept 6.
“My son was offered to do engineering in UKM (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia) instead of medicine in Unimas.
“His dream is to take up medicine and so, I hope Unimas can consider giving him a chance,” she said, adding that both Lee’s elder sisters are currently studying medicine in Peninsula.
On this, Ding hoped that Lee could be given the chance to enroll into the course of his choice.
“By right, we should give them favourable consideration. In my opinion, students with 4As should choose whatever course they wish to pursue.
“Recently, our Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, also mentioned that we are short of doctors in Sarawak.
“So, I hope Unimas or UPU can reconsider and give Clement a chance to study medicine so that he can fulfil his ambition as a doctor,” said Ding, adding that the shortage of doctors is among the reasons why the state is seeking for the return of autonomy on health and education.
Also present was political secretary to Sarawak Premier William Anut, who is also SUPP Dudong vice chairman.