Hajiji promises Chinese deputy CM if GRS wins next Sabah polls

Summary

• Hajiji recognises Chinese community’s contributions to Sabah, says without them, the state’s economy would not have grown.

• CM says he previously appointed many experts and advisers of Chinese descent in various fields such as oil and gas, finance, investment, and law.

• UPDATED 12.34PM | Hajiji also announces that Sabah will recognise UEC.

Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor has announced that he will appoint a Chinese deputy if Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) retains control of the state government in the upcoming election.

Speaking to an audience at Hakka Hall in Kota Kinabalu last night, Hajiji acknowledged the Chinese community’s historically significant role and contributions to the state’s development and progress.

"Without your contributions, the state's economy would not have grown. In fact, the Chinese community's contributions in Sabah span many fields and sectors.

"If this government is once again given the mandate, and if many Chinese leaders are successfully elected as representatives, I will appoint one of them as deputy chief minister,” he was quoted as saying by New Straits Times.

The GRS chairperson further stated he had previously appointed many experts and advisers of Chinese descent in various fields such as oil and gas, finance, investment, and law.

Most recently, he said, he had appointed former chief judge of Sabah and Sarawak David Wong, who is of Chinese descent, to lead the Sabah Law Reform Advisory Council.

The council was initially established in July as an independent body to strengthen the state’s legal system.

Hajiji explained that the council aims to review outdated laws, propose reforms, and ensure that the administration aligns with current needs.

“This is how we improve state governance, ensuring that Sabah remains progressive and respected,” he added.

Sabah govt to recognise UEC

The Sabah leader also announced that the state would be recognising the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) qualification, a standardised high school certificate undertaken by students from Malaysia’s independent Chinese secondary schools.

He explained that UEC holders will also be eligible for state-sponsored scholarships and enrolment in state-run higher educational institutions.

Further, he added that the state government has allocated RM70 million in financial assistance to mission and independent schools, temples, and non-Muslim religious bodies, and plans to increase the funding up to RM90 million next year.

“As a responsible state government, we do our best to plan and work hard to address any issue, while caring for and constantly striving to ensure that all communities - regardless of skin colour or religious beliefs - receive fair and just protection," he was quoted as saying in the Borneo Post.

According to Free Malaysia Today, the Sabah leader also acknowledged that the state legislative assembly would be dissolved before its term expires on Nov 11.

However, he stopped short of saying whether the dissolution would be announced next month or in November.

The state election, which must be held by Dec 7, is expected to see shifting alliances and multi-cornered contests, with GRS expected to clash with BN despite a “love triangle” alliance with Pakatan Harapan.

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