KOTA KINABALU, Sept 23 – Sabah: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor on Monday night announced that the State Government will recognise the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC).
He said the UEC holders will be eligible for state scholarship and enrolment in state-owned higher learning institutions.
“We are not only recognising it, but also taking action. Just now, I whispered to the Finance Minister that we will also consider applications from these certificate holders for the Sabah State Government Scholarship,” he said at the Get-Together Night with the Chinese community, mission and Chinese independent schools and non-Muslim religious bodies in Hakka Hall here on Monday night.
The Chief Minister also announced that the State Government has allocated RM70 million in financial
assistance to mission and independent schools, temples and non-Muslim religious bodies, which will be increased to RM90 million next year.
“As a responsible State Government, we do our best to plan and work hard to address any issue, while caring for and constantly striving to ensure that all communities,
regardless of skin colour or religious beliefs, receive fair and just protection.
“That is why I always support and assist any institution, NGO, or association in need of help, although it also depends on the government’s capacity and the availability of funds.
“This spirit of solidarity and togetherness has been the guiding principle of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and the State Government since forming the government five
years ago,” he said.
Apart from the RM70 million allocation, Hajiji said he had also provided many other assistance through the Chief Minister’s Special Allocation, including aid for Chinese
schools and Chinese cultural associations in Sabah, such as for the Chinese New Year Festival, the purchase of lion heads, the Dragon Boat Festival, as well as assistance to churches and others.
“It is hoped that this contribution would, to some extent, help support the activities of schools and non-Muslim religious bodies throughout Sabah,” he said. – Borneo Post
