RM70m School of Arts to be set up in Sabah

Beaufort: The Education Ministry will set up a secondary School of Arts Malaysia in Sabah next year to provide opportunities for students to develop their interests and talents in arts.Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid, who disclosed this, said the school, which is to be realised under the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP), will be constructed in Sandakan at a cost of about RM70 million as the fourth such school in the country.

"There are three School of Arts that have been established in the country, namely in Kuching, Sarawak, Johor and Kuala Lumpur, that have produced many students with developed skills in the arts field.

"The school will be specialising in music, dancing, theatre performance, visual art and event management as well as providing for academic studies which are also being taught in the formal education system in the nation," he said.

Mahdzir said this to reporters after his working visits to SK Gadong and SMK Gadong, here, Friday.

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He paid a visit to SMK Gadong as he was the former principal of the school in 1989 for three years before resigning his teaching profession to be a full-time politician.

He also announced a funding of RM500,000 to be spent for maintenance and repair works of several infrastructures and facilities at SMK Gadong such as the academic blocks, canteen and workshops.

Also present were Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Kamarlin Ombi, Education Ministry Secretary-General Tan Sri Dr Madinah Mohamad, its Director-General Datuk Seri Dr Khair Mohamad Yusof, State Education Director Datuk Jame Alip, Kuala Penyu Assemblyman Limus Jury, Beaufort Umno Divisional Chief Datuk Isnain Aliasneh, Sabah Rubber Industry Board (SRIB) Chairman Datuk Ahmad Bujang, community leaders, students and school officials.

Mahdzir said the students can apply to study in the school and pursue their interests at higher level upon completion as well to build a career in the field.

In another development, he said Sabah will be getting sufficient allocation for its education development especially in the interior areas under the 11MP.

He said he is fully aware that much need to be done in addressing physical development in education aspects in Sabah.

"We have submitted a proposed funding for education development in Sabah and I am optimistic that the State would be channelled with sufficient funds especially in upgrading infrastructures in schools.

"But I cannot be certain how much (funding) until the National Budget 2016 is tabled next month.

"The focus would be more on tackling critical issues particularly schools in the interior and over 60 schools in islands that need to be repaired and improved," Mahdzir said.

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He said building new schools and student hostels in rural and remote areas would be among other critical areas to be included in the funding for Sabah.

Earlier in his speech, Mahdzir called on parents and teachers in both schools to have close ties and to be committed in ensuring the children excel in national examinations.

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