39 UECs students awarded Sabah gov scholarships before election, says Hajiji

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Government’s recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate happened even (UEC) before 17th Sabah General election.

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said that 39 of its holders have been awarded government scholarships.

“I was surprised that many from the Chinese community did not know what the State
Government has done despite the many assistance that we have given out to the Chinese
schools and non-Muslim religious bodies.

“I also wondered why they did not know about the assistance that had never happened in
Sabah’s history before.

"The (GRS-led) State Government had allocated so much to the tune of more than RM1.3 billion for education and human capital development,” he said during the appointment of 18 newly appointed political secretaries at Menara Kinabalu here.

Other assistance included free laptops, one-off university enrollment fee payment, subsidy for university students, either domestic or in Peninsula Malaysia returning to their hometown for holidays, assistance for those sitting for SPM examination each year, 40 units of Rumah Mesra SMJ that would be increased to 50 units for each State constituency, and many more to improve the livelihood of the people.

“All these have never been done before. So, I want the political secretaries to do their part in disseminating this information to the people on the ground.

“We want the people to get accurate information on the initiatives taken by the State government lest the people would accuse us of only making empty promises,” he said.

Hajiji also has instructed the to ensure information on the State Government's initiatives
and policies reaches the grassroots.

"The duties of a political secretary are very important in our administration system. I want all political secretaries to help the government and their respective ministers, particularly in disseminating government policies.

"Importantly, in providing information about the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 which begins next year."

The Chief Minister said the State Government is also considering requests from opposition Members of the State Legislative Assembly for assistance in the form of office management allocations.

“As a fair government, we will consider this, subject to the discretion of the Finance Minister,” he said.