Kota Kinabalu: Nominated Assemblyman Datuk Mohamed Razali Razi proposed a more comprehensive approach to autism care in Sabah, calling on the State Government to upgrade the Sabah Autism Centre (Paus) beyond early education into a long-term care and life-skills facility.
Debating on the 2026 State Budget, he said many parents of children on the autism spectrum live with uncertainty over their children’s future once they are no longer able to care for them.
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“They always ask: who will care for my child, where will they live and will they be safe, cared for and happy?” he said.
While welcoming the RM670,000 allocation to expand Paus for early education of children aged three to seven, Razali proposed that the centre be enhanced to function as a “second home” offering continuous care, structured routines, social activities and skills training to enable autistic individuals to live, learn and work independently according to their abilities.
He also suggested special scholarships as well as vocational and soft skills training funds to support greater independence among autistic youths.
On public access to government assistance, Razali called for the establishment of a Digital One Stop Centre (OSC), jointly led by relevant ministries, to centralise information, eligibility checks and applications for aid.
“This is not just about technology, but about access and fairness, so assistance reaches those who truly need it.
“Any Sabahans remain unsure of available assistance or where to apply,” he said.
Welcoming the increase in the quota of Rumah Mesra Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) units from 20 to 50 per constituency under the 2026 Budget, Razali said semi-urban areas such as Sepanggar face land constraints that require more strategic housing solutions.
He also proposed the introduction of multi-storey Rumah Mesra SMJ in semi-urban constituencies, noting that vertical development could increase housing capacity without expanding land use.
Razali also urged the State Government to conduct a comprehensive study on SMJ housing for water settlement communities to ensure housing designs are aligned with local realities and actual needs.
On youth development, he said Sabah’s youths are not short of talent but lack opportunities, and called on the Ministry of Youth Development, Sports and Creative Economy (MySpace) to adopt a more focused and holistic approach covering employment, entrepreneurship, skills training, the creative economy and leadership development.
Although RM16.75 million has been allocated for human capital development and grants to youth associations, Razali said the amount should be reviewed in view of Sabah’s youth population of about 2.2 million.
“Youth development must be viewed as a long-term investment, not a seasonal programme.
“The State must invest in shaping future leaders who are skilled, principled and forward-looking,” he said.
Razali said the issues raised reflected the concerns of Sabahans, describing autism as a matter of humanity, housing as dignity, digitalisation as justice and youth as the future.
He said he supported the 2026 State Budget and expressed confidence in Sabah’s continued progress under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
