SANDAKAN: The Sabah Government has raised its allocation for Chinese schools and non-Muslim religious bodies by RM20 million to RM90 million this year, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive education and community development.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the allocation had increased from RM70 million last year, reflecting the Government’s efforts to improve educational facilities, support learning activities and assist the operations of non-Muslim religious bodies.
“Our principle is clear, namely Sabah First and education for all. The Government will continue to uphold the principles of fairness, equality and inclusiveness.
“We do not look at race or religion when providing assistance. Instead, we focus on the needs of the people and the future of a state that must be developed together,” he said.
His speech was read by State Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk James Ratib at the opening of the Student Activity Centre Hall at SMJK Tiong Hua Sandakan, here, Saturday.
Hajiji said the allocation had grown from RM43 million in 2020 and 2021 to RM47 million in 2022, RM54.05 million in 2023, RM56.75 million in 2024 and RM70 million last year.
Separately, the State Government had allocated RM155 million for the Sabah State Government Scholarship (BKNS) this year, compared with RM50 million in 2020.
The Government would also continue implementing 14 education assistance initiatives introduced since 2021 to ensure Sabah children had access to quality education without being burdened by financial difficulties.
Hajiji said human capital development under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 framework focused on producing a generation equipped not only with academic qualifications but also relevant skills, resilience, creativity and integrity.
He said young people needed to acquire skills in emerging fields to remain competitive at state, national and international levels.
On the new hall at SMJK Tiong Hua, he said the facility represented the collective commitment of the school, parents, community, alumni and private sector to providing a more conducive learning environment.
He urged students to make full use of the facility to build confidence, develop their talents and strengthen their discipline.
Hajiji also described SMJK Tiong Hua as a source of pride for Sandakan, saying the school had produced successful Sabahans in academia, business, leadership and public service.
He said the school’s diverse student population, comprising different racial and religious backgrounds, reflected Sabah’s spirit of unity.
“Unity is not a slogan. Unity is a prerequisite for the stability and progress of our state,” he said.
