Joniston addressing students at the closing of the Student Leader Board leadership programme.
KIULU: Student leadership is crucial in influencing positive behaviours and safety measures at boarding schools, said Kiulu Assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
He said the tragic methanol poisoning incident involving students of SMK Pingan-Pingan in Pitas should prompt a renewed focus on the need for solid student leadership within boarding schools to advocate for the safety and wellbeing of their peers.
“The goal is to create a network of empowered and influential student leaders who can educate their peers about the dangers of harmful behaviours and promote a positive and inclusive boarding school environment,” he said.
Joniston, who is also Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister was speaking to students at the closing of the Student Leader Board leadership programme at SMK Tun Fuad Stephens here yesterday.
Sabah Education Department Deputy Director (Student Development Sector) Muddin Beting was also present.
The student leadership course is the first series organised by the State Education Department in collaboration with the Tuaran District Education Office (PPD).
It involves participants from secondary schools in the districts of Tuaran, Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas, Kota Belud, Kota Kinabalu, and Penampang.
Two 17-year-old students of SMK Pinggan-Pinggan died from the methanol poisoning incident.
They were among 20 students, aged between 13 and 17, who were rushed to the hospital early this month after consuming mixed carbonated drinks laced with a harmful thinner liquid in their school dormitory.
Drawing a parallel between student leaders and politicians, Joniston said the former serve as representatives of their peers, enabling them to voice concerns and contribute to finding solutions for tackling misbehaviour and preventing untoward incidents.
“By allowing students to take charge, schools benefit from fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that stem from their peers.
“Students are more engaged, take responsibility, and work together to find solutions to avoid occurrences that could harm them when they have a say in decision-making,” he said.
Joniston also added effective student leaders understand the importance of empathy and active listening, enabling them to connect with their schoolmates and address their concerns constructively.
“I also understand that young people face challenges in leadership when there are factions that do not share the same views and aim to undermine student leaders.
“Therefore, it is crucial to create an inclusive environment where all students feel valued and heard to prevent student leaders from being cast aside,” he said.
He then encouraged students to make their school a platform to acquire valuable skills that contribute to their personal growth and potentially pave the way for them to become influential lawmakers in the future.
Meanwhile, Muddin said the student leadership program would be intensified and expanded to include all schools in Sabah.
