New school curriculum to introduce Sabah identity elements in Year One and Form One next year

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 12 — Elements of Sabah's identity will be integrated into the new school curriculum for Year One and Form One students starting from the next academic year, according to Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek. The proposal was one of the education-related agreements reached during the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63) meeting held earlier today.

Fadhlina confirmed that the Sabah Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Datuk James Ratib, wholeheartedly backed the idea. Speaking to reporters after attending a handover ceremony for two educational projects in Sabah, Fadhlina emphasized that incorporating Sabah's identity elements into the curriculum was crucial for reinforcing ties among Sabah, Sarawak, and the Peninsular Malaysia, which she viewed as a foundation of Malaysia's strength.

By introducing these elements in the national curriculum, the younger generation would gain a deeper understanding, appreciation, and respect for Sabah's rich cultural heritage, while also being able to share it more widely across the nation. Fadhlina also mentioned that the appointment of new teachers, principals, and headteachers in Sabah was nearing completion.

Regarding the state's dilapidated schools, Fadhlina reported that progress was promising, with some projects already completed, others under construction, and the rest at various stages of implementation. She further explained that the ministry was closely monitoring these projects in collaboration with relevant agencies, including the Sabah Public Works Department (JKR), to ensure smooth progress.

Earlier in her speech, Fadhlina disclosed that 245 dilapidated schools in Sabah had been fully rebuilt, while 63 were under construction, and the remaining 208 were in various stages of implementation, constituting a total of 416 dilapidated schools identified for complete replacement according to MA63 agreements.