Kota Kinabalu: The State Government has handed out more money for schools and non-Muslim organisations this year.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman distributed a total of RM30.994 million in grants to 140 non-Muslim religious bodies and 266 schools, including Chinese independent and Mission schools, here, Friday.
It translated to almost a RM3 million increase from the RM28.064 million in grant assistance given by the State Government last year.
Of the amount, churches, Chinese temples and other non-Muslim places of worship would collectively receive RM18.029 million while schools, RM12.965m.
According to him, non-Muslim religious organisations in the West Coast, Kudat and Interior regions would receive RM14.419m while similar bodies in Sandakan and Kudat are allocated RM3.61m.
"Schools in the West Coast, Kudat and Interior regions will get RM9.215 million and those located in Sandakan and Tawau will receive RM3.75 million," he said at the presentation of the grants at the State Legislative Assembly building.
The distribution, he said, showed that the Barisan Nasional (BN) State Government is continuously assisting schools so that they are able to effectively implement teaching and learning.
He said the government of the day is also mindful of the role that non-Islamic religious bodies play, some of which are fundamental to the growth and survival of special assistance schools.
He said education is essential for the growth of the nation as well as to ensure schools are able to produce human capital with quality.
"(Hence) we must do what we can to support kindergartens, primary and secondary schools," he said.
He hoped that the schools would give priority to what needs to be addressed urgently with the funds they receive from the Government.
This is to further strengthen the teaching and learning process as well as for repairs and other maintenance needed to make classrooms more comfortable.
Musa, who is also State Finance Minister, said despite socio-economic programmes and other development demands that require funds, the State Government will not back down from its commitment to assist schools.
He assured that the BN Government would continue to focus on education development at all levels.
He also said the Government is constantly striving to bridge the gap between facilities in urban and rural areas.
"We are aware that some schools in remote locations need better facilities, and to achieve this, we are constantly working with the Federal Ministry of Education to look for solutions that will improve both the standard of education and facilities that will make teaching and learning more effective," he said.
He encouraged students in Sabah to study diligently and to contribute towards the development of the nation once they have completed school or graduated from college or university.
"We need knowledgeable workers in driving the economy and here in Sabah, we will continue to need a workforce that is able to participate in new and exciting economic spin-offs, including from the oil and gas sector that is being aggressively developed," he said.
Also, he said the huge allocation for non-Islamic religious bodies is reflective of the BN Government's commitment in upholding religious freedom.
And thus, he said, the allocation should spur the non-Islamic religious bodies to continue encouraging spiritual growth among its followers.
Along with Islamic bodies, Musa said, all religious institutes play an important role in promoting positive values and in curbing social ills.
This is indeed crucial in this day and age, he said, where baby dumping, unwanted pregnancies and other social problems such as misuse of the Internet to prey on unsuspecting teenagers and youths is common.
"So, I believe that solid religious upbringing is needed in overcoming these issues and hence all religious bodies must continue to impart teachings to their respective followers," he said.
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