Kota Kinabalu: Kota Kinabalu Member of Parliament Datuk Chan Foong Hin praised Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor for making three meaningful commitments to the Chinese community during Monday’s fellowship dinner, here.
The three key pledges on what the GRS-Plus government would fulfil if given the mandate in the coming State election were announced in the presence of Chinese Community, Educational and Religious Organisations. They were:Recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) and admission into government institutions;Increased funding for vernacular schools and non-Islamic organisations; and Appointment of a Chinese leader as Deputy Chief Minister.“These reflects the Sabah Government’s recognition and high regard for the community’s contributions,” said the Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister in his Facebook post, Tuesday.
Chan said the Chief Minister’s announcement is timely and significant, embodying the State Government’s vision for the next term and representing the shared consensus forged through Sabah PH/DAP and GRS.
“His (Hajiji) latest decisions show that these proposals are being taken seriously, not only as a symbol of peaceful coexistence and equality in Sabah, but also as an important signal for national politics,” Chan said.
He said DAP had engaged regularly with the Chief Minister over the past two years on the needs and aspirations of Sabah’s Chinese community.
He hailed the UEC recognition as a major breakthrough, with UEC holders in Sabah now eligible to pursue studies at state universities and apply for Sabah Government scholarships.
He said annual funding has grown dramatically from RM32 million in 2013 to this year’s increased allocation, with plans to reach RM90 million next year, triple the amount from a decade ago.
The pledge to appoint a Chinese Deputy Chief Minister would restore a five-year absent cabinet tradition, ensuring community representation and reaffirming equality principles.
“The Sabah DAP strongly supports this agenda of equality for all. I am proud of Sabah and of the progress we are achieving together,” Chan said.
The last Chinese Deputy Chief Minister was PKR’s Datuk Christina Liew in the Shafie Apdal-led administration formed in 2018.
After a failed attempt by Sabah Barisan Nasional to unseat Hajiji as chief minister in 2023, the GRS chairman received PH’s backing and roped the coalition into the state administration.
Sabah DAP Chief Phoong Jin Zhe and former state PH chairman Christina Liew then became ministers, restoring Chinese representation in the state Cabinet.
