Haji Hajiji Haji Noor
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Government fully supports the aspirations of the Malaysia Education Plan (RPM) 2026–2035, particularly in strengthening digital education and infrastructure, teachers’ welfare, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), as well as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the State Government is also giving emphasis to educational equity, inclusive rural education, the inculcation of local values and identity, and the empowerment of school leadership.
He said close synergy between the State and Federal Governments is expected to help comprehensively resolve long-standing issues such as dilapidated schools and teacher shortages in Sabah’s rural areas over the next 10 years.
“The State Government is also working closely with the Federal Government to realise the agenda of enhancing excellence and improving the quality of education in Sabah, including upgrading educational facilities and infrastructure.
“The presence of senior officers from the Ministry of Education Malaysia today reflects the strong cooperation between the State and Federal Governments, especially with the initial rollout of RPM 2026–2035,” he said when officiating at the Education Convention and the 4th General Assembly of the Malaysian Headmasters Association (PGBM) Sabah Branch at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here today. His speech was read by State Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk James Ratib
Hajiji said education remains a key agenda under the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan, despite being under Federal jurisdiction.
He said from 2021 to 2025, the State Government introduced 14 education assistance initiatives, all of which are being continued this year to ease the burden on schools and ensure Sabah students are not left behind.
Among the initiatives are Bantuan Ihsan Sekolah Sabah (BISBAH), Bantuan Ihsan Komputer (BAIK), Bantuan Tunai Pendaftaran IPT (BUDI), Bantuan Aktiviti Guru dan Ibu Bapa Sabah (BAGUS), Bantuan Khas Tunai Peperiksaan (BAKTI) and the Bantuan Penyelenggaraan Kecil Sekolah (BALKIS) programme.
Other assistance includes the Program Bantuan Khas Pendidikan (BANTU), Anugerah Khas Kecemerlangan Pelajar (AKSA), Sumbangan Kegiatan Sekolah Sabah (SUKSES), scholarships, study grants, study loans and zakat assistance.
Hajiji said headmasters play a vital role as school leaders and serve as the backbone in shaping the quality of education and the future generation in Sabah.
He said the challenges in today’s education landscape require school leaders not only to be effective administrators, but also to possess empathy and the ability to lead change.
“I hope this convention will serve as the best platform to chart the future direction, assess achievements and discuss strategies to support the national education agenda.
“I also hope PGBM Sabah will continue to be a strong platform in voicing the aspirations of headmasters and upholding the teaching profession,” he said.
