Kota Kinabalu: Sabah United Chinese Independent Schools Committee Association (Sabah Dong Zong) Chairman Datuk Au Kam Wah congratulated Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor for successfully forming the new State Government.
“The swift appointment of ministers and assistant ministers within just three days reflects the new administration’s efficiency, stability and strong governance direction,” he said in a statement, Wednesday.
He emphasised that a mature political culture requires all citizens to unite in supporting the newly-formed government.
“At the same time, the opposition’s role in providing checks and balances in the State Assembly remains essential to ensuring good governance for the benefit of the people,” he said.
In the recent election, the only ethnic Chinese state assemblyman elected from the ruling coalition, Datuk Ben Chong Chen Bin, has been appointed Assistant Minister.
He is expected to play a significant role in assisting the Chief Minister on matters related to the Chinese community, educational funding and resource coordination.
Au also commended Chief Minister Hajiji’s continuous efforts over the past five years to increase allocations for education and religious affairs, including officially recognising the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) before the end of his previous term.
“These allocations have benefited non-government schools, non-Muslim associations and religious organisations, easing financial pressures on many community groups.
“His pledge to increase education and religious allocations to RM90 million upon reappointment marks an important milestone toward educational equity and support for a diverse education ecosystem,” Au said.
The association expressed deep appreciation for the State Government’s approval of UEC-based applications for the Sabah State Government Scholarship. Over the past two weeks, more than ten outstanding UEC students from various independent schools across Sabah have received approval — an unprecedented achievement showcasing the administration’s genuine commitment to educational diversity.
He said the most pleasant surprise was the appointment of former Sabah Law Society President Datuk Roger Chin Ken Fong as an appointed state assemblyman. Chin is the key figure behind Sabah’s legal efforts to reclaim the 40pc net revenue entitlement from the Federal Government, and is expected to greatly support Sabah in its upcoming negotiations.
His inclusion also demonstrates the Sabah Government’s strong determination in pursuing its revenue rights, strengthening public confidence that Hajiji will continue to govern fairly and compassionately over the next five years, serving the needs of all communities in Sabah.
