Datuk Seri Musa Aman handing over financial assistance to Schools & Non Islamic Religious Bodies, 23rd November 2011

SPEECH OF YAB DATUK SERI PANGLIMA MUSA HAJI AMAN, CHIEF MINISTER OF SABAH IN CONJUNCTION WITH HANDING OVER OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO SCHOOLS AND NON ISLAMIC RELIGIOUS BODIES FOR SABAH AT Dewan Undangan Negeri, Kota Kinabalu ON 23rd NOVEMBER 2011, AT 3.00 P.M.

Source : Chief Minister Department, Sabah

1. It gives me great pleasure to be here with all of you at this event that will see the Sabah State Government handing over financial aid to schools and non-Islamic religious bodies in the state. I am pleased that once again, the State Government is able to contribute to schools and religious bodies that need funding to carry out repairs, cover day to day operation costs and run programmes.

2. We care about the people, and to keep our word, the Barisan Nasional State Government is continuously assisting schools so that they are able to effectively implement teaching and learning. The Government of the day is also mindful of the role that non-Islamic religious bodies play, some of which are fundamental in the growth and survival of special assistance schools.

3. I am pleased to announce today that the Sabah State Government will give a grant of RM10,789,830 to 258 schools, including Chinese independent and mission schools. A total of 440 non-Islamic religious bodies including churches, Chinese temples and Hindu and Sikh places of worship, are allocated RM17,275,000. The overall grant that the Sabah State Government will give out in a short while to schools and non-Islamic religious bodies totals RM28,064,830.

4. Education is necessary for the growth of the nation, and to ensure schools are able to produce human capital with quality, we must do what we can to support kindergartens, and primary and secondary schools. I am confident that this allocation will be used wisely by schools to further strengthen the teaching and learning process, and for repairs and other maintenance needs to make classrooms more comfortable. I also hope that schools will give priority on what needs to be addressed urgently with funds they are about to get.

5. Although socio-economic programmes and other development demands require funds, the State Government will not back down from its commitment to assist schools. The BN Government will continue to focus on education development at all levels, and we are also constantly striving to bridge the gap between facilities in urban and rural areas. We are aware that some schools in remote locations need better facilities, and to achieve this, we are constantly working with the Federal Ministry of Education to look for solutions that will improve both the standard of education and facilities that will make teaching and learning more effective. In connection, we are thankful to our beloved Prime Minister YAB Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak for announcing during the 2012 Budget the decision to allocate RM100 million each to Chinese, Mission and Tamil schools. These initiatives on both the Federal and State level truly demonstrates the commitment of the BN government to increase the quality of education for all communities regardless of race and religion.

6. I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage students in Sabah to study hard and to contribute towards the development of the nation once they finish school or graduate from college or university. We need knowledgeable workers in driving the economy, and here in Sabah, we will continue to need a workforce that is able to participate in new and exciting economic spin-offs, including from the oil and gas sector that is being aggressively developed.

7. The large allocation for non-Islamic religious bodies is reflective of the BN Government’s commitment in upholding religious freedom. In Malaysia, we live in harmony with one another despite coming from diverse religious backgrounds. Malaysians are able to profess our respecive faith in peace, and without fear.

8. With this allocation, I hope non-Islamic religious bodies will continue to encourage spiritual growth among your followers. Along with Islamic bodies, all religious institutes play an important role in promoting positive values, and in curbing social ills. This is indeed crucial in this day and age. Increasingly, the media is reporting about baby dumping, unwanted pregnancies and other social problems such as misuse of the Internet to prey on unsuspecting teenagers and youths. I believe that solid religious upbringing is needed in overcoming these issues, and religious bodies must continue to impart teachings to their respective followers.

9. I sincerely hope that schools and non-Islamic religious bodies that receive allocations today will be able to implement programmes and activities successfully. I also encourage you to keep up your good work and to continue serving your schools and religious institutions to the best of your abilities.

Thank you.