Hajiji recalls mother borrowing RM15 for exam fees as he vows poverty will not define Sabah children

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor is determined to ensure that poverty does not dictate the destiny of Sabah's children and hinder their progress. This mission is deeply personal, stemming from Hajiji's own experiences of growing up in poverty, losing his father at a young age, working various jobs, and witnessing his mother struggle to pay for his Lower Certificate of Education (LCE) exam fees in 1971.

Borrowing a mere RM15 from relatives enabled Hajiji to pursue education, giving him an opportunity to break free from the cycle of poverty.

Hajiji emphasized that parents today face similar challenges in raising their children and providing them with an education. He firmly resolved to ensure that poverty would not determine the fate of Sabah's children. Education, he stressed, is the key to lifting them out of poverty. If the government can remove even one obstacle from a Sabah child's path towards progress and success, it is a responsibility that cannot be ignored.

To support this cause, Hajiji announced the increase of the Sabah State Government Scholarship (BKNS) allocation to RM155 million in 2026, up from RM55 million in 2021. This funding will primarily benefit underprivileged students. Since its inception, 14 educational assistance initiatives under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development framework have benefited 480,000 students.

These include cash assistance programs like BUDI, computer assistance programs such as Ihsan Computer Assistance (BAIK), and student flight ticket subsidies (SUBFLY).

Hajiji highlighted that the Sabah government is now ready to move into a phase of genuine development empowerment. With increased state revenue reaching RM7 billion annually, efforts to tackle large-scale infrastructure needs are underway through the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). This includes 173 road network development projects and 77 projects related to water treatment plants and supply systems across the state.

The Commercial Collaboration Agreement (CCA) with Petronas, signed in 2021, has significantly boosted local participation in the oil and gas sector, with 499 contracts expected in 2025, up from just 133 previously.

In addition to infrastructure development, Hajiji stressed the government's commitment to addressing Sabah's rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) at the negotiating table with the Federal Government, based on facts, financial data, and a strong legal basis. As part of targeted welfare initiatives, the construction of 11,000 homes under the 'Rumah Mesra SMJ' initiative is underway to assist vulnerable groups and young couples.

The construction will continue, with a goal of building 50 'Rumah Mesra SMJ' homes in each state constituency this year, ensuring that the benefits of Sabah's progress are shared by all, including rural and interior communities.