GEORGE TOWN: Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor announced an allocation of RM10 million to help subsidise flight tickets for all Sabah students studying in public higher education institutions (IPTs) in the peninsula, Sarawak and Labuan.
He made the announcement during his visit to Penang for a breaking of the fast ceremony with Sabahan students of higher education institutions in the peninsula, here, Monday.
He said the one-off special assistance of RM600 per person for Sabahan students was a fund from the Chief Minister’s special allocation.
“The special one-off flight ticket assistance will be given directly to the students concerned. However, detailed information and payment mechanisms will be discussed further by the parties concerned.
“This special assistance can be used at any time to return to Sabah,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hajiji said the late Datuk Seri Sari Nuar Tan has contributed a lot to the development of education and the economy of Sabah.
According to him, Sari was not only a successful leader but also a visionary leader who was very concerned about the development of education and the socio-economic wellbeing of the State.
He said in the field of education, Sari was a pioneer in the development of education in the State, including in providing scholarships, and encouraging the development of educational programmes with the main goal that every young Sabahan has access to quality education, without being limited by distance or economic status.
He said when Sari was the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kian Kok Secondary School (SM) from 1984 to 2014, he did many initiatives to help students, including giving scholarships to the children of members who excelled in academics.
“His contribution not only helped form a knowledgeable young generation, but he also worked to reduce the poverty gap and create job opportunities for the people in the State,” he said at the Memorial Assembly for the late Sari at SM Kian Kok Hall, here, Monday.
His speech was read by the Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Abidin Madingkir.
Hajiji said during his lifetime, Sari also held various positions in several organisations, including the President of the Sabah Chinese Assembly Hall, the President of the Sabah Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the President of the Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the Chairman of the Kota Kinabalu Hokkien Association and others.
“He has left an excellent legacy in the development of education and a great contribution in developing Sabah as a whole.
“The services and contributions of the deceased will continue to be remembered and appreciated by the State Government,” he said.
