Lee (standing second left) visits a Primary 1 class accompanied by headmaster Law Sie Kong (back left).

MIRI: Chinese-medium schools in Sarawak are not just for the Chinese community, said Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin.

He pointed out that the number of Bumiputera pupils in Chinese-medium primary schools here remained high.

“Chinese school is not a school for the Chinese community, it is also a school for all races in the state. It is really good to see the pupils, regardless of race and cultural background, able to sit in the same classroom which truly fits Sarawak as a model state for racial unity and religious harmony,” he said after visiting SJK Chung Hua Tudan yesterday.

The Senadin assemblyman said SJK Chung Hua Tudan is a clear example where 70 per cent of the pupils are Bumiputera.

He said the 28 different ethnic groups in Sarawak are also represented in the school’s population, including Penan and Indian pupils.

Lee called for such a good practice to continue at Chinese-medium schools here.

He said the pupils would not have problems making friends from different races, cultural backgrounds, and religious beliefs.