Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Dong Zong Chairman Datuk Au Kam Wah said it is heartening to know that the Sabah Government fulfilled its pre-election pledge by raising the annual allocation for education and non-Islamic religious bodies to RM90 million, up from RM70 million.
This was confirmed during the tabling of the 2026 State Budget by State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun at the ongoing State Assembly sitting.
It put to rest concerns that the new government may penalise the community for its overwhelming support for the opposition in the just-concluded Sabah elections, which saw the DAP losing all eight seats it contested to Warisan.
Had this “Chinese swing” not happened, Warisan would have been left with only 17 seats in the State Assembly compared to 29 seats it won in the 2020 Sabah election.
Au said with Masidi tabling the move, non-Islamic religious bodies, Mission schools, Chinese primary schools and independent Chinese secondary schools across Sabah would not have to worry.
“The commitment was first made by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor during a dialogue dinner with Sabah’s Chinese community, education groups and non-Islamic religious organisations on Sept 22,” Au said.
Hajiji also promised that the Sabah Government would, like Sarawak, also recognise the UEC (Unified Examination Certificate) and to set aside RM5m to enable top students to be admitted to government colleges. Although the previous Warisan-led State Government also recognised the UEC, it placed conditions.
Recognition for the UEC which is accepted by many countries, including the US and UK, is facing an obstacle in the peninsula by certain quarters over the issue of medium of instruction.
“At the event, Hajiji announced that the allocation would be increased to RM90 million if the ruling coalition received a renewed mandate to form the government.
“Despite setbacks in Chinese-majority constituencies during the recent state election, Hajiji proceeded with the allocation increase.
“The Chief Minister also appointed three Chinese community leaders as nominated assembly members following the election,” he said, welcoming the government’s decision.
“This is a clear demonstration of a governance philosophy rooted in diversity, inclusiveness and mutual respect,” he said.
Au said the Chief Minister did not blame voters for the election results in Chinese-majority areas but rather steadfastly fulfilled his promise to increase the annual allocation.
Au said the allocation increase addresses several key areas.
“Funds will support school construction, facility upgrades and teaching enhancement in mission schools, Chinese primary schools and independent Chinese secondary schools.
“The allocation also provides continued support for non-Islamic religious organisations, which form part of Sabah’s diverse social landscape,” he said, describing the funding as critical for improving learning environments and educational quality.
He said government support for non-Islamic religious organisations helps promote religious freedom and harmonious coexistence among communities.
He expressed appreciation to Hajiji and the state cabinet for their support of mother-tongue education and cultural diversity.
“The organisation looks forward to continuing cooperation with the State Government to advance education development and strengthen ethnic harmony in Sabah,” he said.
