Kota Kinabalu: The Pertubuhan Masyarakat Adat Anak Negeri Sabah (PMANS) is calling on the State Government to consider a special allocation for its Sekolah Adat Anak Negeri Sabah (SAANS) to support the preservation of Sabah’s indigenous heritage and the development of human capital.
Its President, Shalmon Sanangan, said that over seven years of operation, SAANS has expanded significantly and now possesses a strong leadership network involving 41 principals representing 37 ethnic groups throughout Sabah.
He said education in customary traditions serves as an important and systematic platform for the younger generation to learn indigenous knowledge and customary laws, ensuring that these traditions do not fade over time.
Shalmon, who is also the founder of SAANS, welcomed the State Government’s RM1.5 billion funding boost and expressed hope that permanent grants could be considered to support the school’s structured cultural preservation efforts.
“We have mobilised various high-impact programmes, including intensive courses and the Borneo Customary Education Cultural Carnival, as well as seminars and heritage exhibitions made possible through the active involvement of teachers from across Sabah.
“The efforts of SAANS align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those relating to inclusive quality education and the safeguarding of cultural heritage,” he said.
Shalmon said the preservation of local wisdom also contributes to sustainable environmental stewardship and traditional natural resource management.
He noted that the documentation of 19 teaching modules and various cultural empowerment initiatives has strong potential to support community-based tourism products capable of generating new economic opportunities for rural communities.
In addition, he said SAANS is currently undergoing the process of registration under Unesco’s Register of Good Safeguarding Practices, which would further enhance Malaysia’s reputation on the international stage.
“The commitment of ethnic teachers and principals over the past seven years has largely been sustained through volunteerism and limited community funding,” he said.
“We are willing and ready to pursue strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah, and the National Heritage Department to ensure that public funding delivers a high social return on investment.
“Investment in SAANS is an investment in preserving the soul and identity of Sabah for future generations,” he added.
