KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has voiced his support for the idea that scholarships and educational aid should be focused on students in need.
Hajiji was responding to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's suggestion that the government might reconsider supporting wealthy students in top government-funded schools.
"Yes, we will help those who are in dire need, especially those who are less fortunate.
"We won't prioritise the wealthy and capable, but instead focus should be given to those who are in dire need," he said after Universiti Malaysia Sabah new students' "Akur Janji" pledge ceremony here.
Hajiji said education played a crucial role in shaping the state's future leaders and improving people's quality of life.
He said the state government had always ensured that Sabah folk had access to quality education from primary through to tertiary levels.
"From 1967 until June 2024, a total of 121,897 students have benefited from educational aid through Yayasan Sabah, amounting to RM868 million."
In March, the state government introduced the Subsidi Graduan Rindu Sabah initiative, providing RM600 in flight subsidies to Sabah students studying in Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Labuan.
The initiative involved a budget of more than RM10 million to ease the financial burden on these students.
Last year, the state government increased its allocation for scholarships to further assist students across various educational institutions.
"Human capital development is key to the state's future success, and we are committed to ensuring that no student is left behind."