Keningau: Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan on Wednesday urged the Ministry of Education to set up a national art school in Sabah.He said the time has come for the country to increase the number of national art schools, especially in rural areas such as Keningau.
"This is necessary because it will further develop the country in terms of art while at the same time allow more children to have the opportunity to develop their art potential and talent," he said.
Pairin, who is also State Minister for Infrastructure Development, said so far, Malaysia has only two national art schools, one in Johor and the other in Kuching, Sarawak.
He said this while officiating at the opening and closing of the Carnival of Culture and Art School, Keningau district-level for 2011 at SK Bunga Raya, near here, Wednesday.
On the carnival, Pairin, who is also Member of Parliament for Keningau, said the programme was the first of its kind held in any primary school in Keningau District.
"I understand that the activities held at the primary level are also intended to provide opportunities for students to choose to continue their studies in Malaysia at the Art School in the coming session.
"Therefore, I hope the students here will seize this opportunity because those who show extraordinary talents will be offered to learn in the Art School of Malaysia in Sarawak or Johor.
"In my opinion, this initiative will not only be used as a medium for the application of soft skills, but it also should be able to forge unity among the students and instil a sense to maintain the uniqueness of art and culture that made us proud in the eyes of the world with an identity of our own.
Pairin hoped the programme will provide an insight and understanding to pupils about the arts and culture community in the country especially in the state because, according to him, in addition to producing a student of excellence, glory and distinction, Malaysia also need to produce citizens who are proud of their arts and culture.
He congratulated SK Bunga Raya and Keningau District Education Office for successfully organising extra-curricular programmes that provide opportunities to children to take part in such meaningful events.
Also present at the ceremony were District Education Officer, Raisin Saidin, Headmaster of SK Bunga Raya, Juanis Gantingadon, Political Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure Development, Wilfredoline Jakil, community leaders, teachers and local residents.
