CHIEF Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has full confidence that cooperation between the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-Barisan Nasional (GRS-BN) State Government will continue after the 15th General Elections (GE15).
“The GRS-BN formula has proven that at the state level we have achieved a solid working relationship to govern and brought much development to the state and the people.
“Of course ... it is a continuity of the mandate given by the rakyat during the last State election. We need to have strong cooperation to ensure we uphold this mandate,” he said, after opening the new Sekolah Menengah Advent Tamparuli (SMAT) building in Tamparuli on Nov 10.
On whether the Sabah Government would declare the eve of elections, November 18 as a public holiday, Hajiji who is also the GRS Chairman said the matter needs to be looked into first.
Earlier, he said education is important for the state’s development.
Hence, he said the State Government has allocated a total of RM3.38 million to non-Muslim religious bodies, Chinese and mission schools in Tuaran this year.
From the figure RM1.078 million was for non-Muslim religious bodies and the rest for Chinese and mission schools in the Tuaran district.
He reiterated that the State Government has agreed to increase the overall state allocation for non-Muslim religious bodies, Chinese and mission schools by RM7 million to RM54 million next year.
In his speech at the opening of the SMAT new building that can accommodate 500 students at any one time, Hajiji commended the school known previously as the Seventh-Day Adventist Secondary School or SASS, for producing many successful students during its more than 80 years in existence.
He said State Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who is Kiulu Assemblyman and GRS candidate for Tuaran MP, as one of them.
“I trust SMAT will continue its educational excellence by providing opportunities for students to excel, particularly those from the rural areas,” he said.
As an appreciation to SMAT’s teaching staff, the Chief Minister announced an allocation of RM100,000 to assist the school’s management in enhancing its academic programmes.
The State Government would also consider SMAT’s request for other educational facilities, including a roofed basketball court.
Present were District Officer Syahrin Samsir, Tamparuli Assistant District Officer Herman Tugingging, Sabah SDA Mission Executive Secretary, Pastor Earie Madius, Malaysia Union Missions of SDA Director Golden Gadoh and SMAT Parent-Teacher Association Chairman George Teo.
Hajiji also did not hesitate to approve a 0.25-acre land application by SJK (C) Chung Hwa for its Green and Nature Park project.
He commended SJK (C) Chung Hwa Tamparuli management board and its teaching fraternity for their high commitment to building the Green and Nature Park, which would be beneficial to the pupils.
“It will educate the pupils to care and respect for our environment, which is a very important aspect in moulding our younger generation to contribute to the nation’s development,” he said.
Hajiji also gave SJK (C) Chung Hwa Tamparuli teachers and pupils a pleasant surprise by approving a sum totalling RM150,000 for the Green and Nature Park, smart boards and the school’s brass band as requested by SJK © Chung Hwa Tamparuli Management Board Chairman Chong Hong Kong during his speech earlier.
“This Government is a people’s government that was given the mandate to develop Sabah and ensure the wellbeing of the people regardless of race.
“I hope the people understand that we need a strong and stable government so that we can develop our state and provide assistance such as to SJK (C) Chung Hwa Tamparuli,” he said.
Also present were Sabah Education Director Datuk Tah Nia Jaman, Chong Hong Kong, SJK © Chung Hwa Tamparuli Headmaster Brandon Lim, Parent-Teacher Association Chairman George Teo and local community leaders.
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