Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. - Filepic/The Star
KOTA KINABALU: A total of RM50mil has been allocated to upgrade and maintain Mara educational institutions this year, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said this funding is to maintain the quality of Mara and the standard of its facilities as well as for students and teachers to operate in a conducive environment.
He added that this is also to ensure these institutions continue to be the first choice for parents and students in their quest for academic excellence.
“I will try to get the Prime Minister, who is also the Finance Minister, to increase the amount next year,” he said during a visit to Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM) Kota Kinabalu yesterday.
He also announced that MRSM Kota Kinabalu has been renamed MRSM Tan Sri Musa Aman Kota Kinabalu with immediate effect, adding that this is in honour of the role played by the former Sabah chief minister in the establishment of the institution when it was set up 21 years ago.
On the allocation, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said RM25mil has been allocated to the Mara Junior Science College (MRSM), RM17mil to the Mara Skills Institute and Mara Higher Skills College, and RM8mil to Mara College and Mara Professional College.
“For Sabah, RM2.347mil has been set aside for the Mara educational institution in Sabah, and RM250,000 for MRSM Tan Sri Musa Aman Kota Kinabalu to repair pipes, install a fire prevention system, and refurbish its furniture,” he added.
In the renaming of MRSM Kota Kinabalu, Ahmad Zahid stressed the need for all to remember the contributions of past leaders.
Two other MRSMs in Sabah will also be renamed after former leaders soon, he said.
Earlier, he urged all to ensure that the infrastructure and facilities as well as assets under Mara are taken care of properly.
“We must have a good maintenance mentality among our staff and students,” he said.
At the event, 50 B40 students received some funds to lessen their burden.
