TUARAN: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the present State Government has implemented an unprecedented number of initiatives to assist students under the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development agenda.
“Never before has so many initiatives been implemented for the development of human capital and education in the state. In nearly five years, we have spent a total of RM1.33 billion for this purpose,” he said.
Speaking at the official opening of the SK Bundung Hall, named after him, at Topokon near here today, Hajiji said that even the state scholarship disbursed to students this year has increased to RM138 million, compared to about RM50 million previously.
“Even this is not sufficient, and I have asked the State Secretary to increase the amount next year so that more high-achieving Sabah students have access to this assistance,” he said.
Hajiji said the State Government also provided RM200 cash assistance to about 40,000 students sitting for their SPM and STPM examinations each year.
“I understand that among the 40,000 students, there are bound to be those who come from not well-to-do families.
“I remember when I was about to sit for my LCE (Lower Cambridge Examination) in1971, my mother had to go around and borrow money from our relatives to pay for the RM15 examination fee. So, I understand just how hard it is,” he said.
Hajiji assured that human capital and education development would remain the present State Government’s top priority.
“Human capital and education development are the focal points for the state’s overall development under the Hala Tuju SMJ.
We have been making significant strides indeveloping Sabah’s economy through the agriculture, tourism and industrial sectors. Still, our struggle will not be complete if we fail in developing the education sector,” he said.
The Chief Minister also called upon teachers to help disseminate correct information on the government’s policies and development programmes.
“Do not be swayed by the opposition’s slanders and lies.They are oblivious to all the State Government’s achievements,”he said.
Hajiji said the State Government’s track record in bringing high-impact investments to Sabah and creating job opportunities has been proven.
“If it is true that we are doing it wrong, then why are so many investors coming to Sabah?” he said, adding that the latest was the company from Singapore, which will invest RM31 billion in three phases in Sipitang.
Later, Hajiji also witnessed the farewell cake-cutting ceremony for retiring SK Bundung headmistress Grace Subramaniam. Also present was Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Jahid Jahim. – pr/BNN
