KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has officially recognised the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) and is considering allowing UEC holders to receive state assistance, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said the state government is now considering allowing UEC holders to apply for state scholarships and admission into state-owned higher learning institutions.
“I just discussed with Datuk Seri Masidi to consider UEC holders for the Sabah State Government Scholarship, giving them opportunities to pursue studies at institutions such as Kolej Yayasan Sabah and Kolej Teknologi Yayasan Sabah,” he said, referring to state Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.
The UEC is an examination taken by students of Chinese independent schools.
Hajiji announced this during a gathering with the Chinese community, mission and Chinese independent schools, as well as non-Muslim religious bodies on Monday night.
He also announced RM70mil in aid for mission and Chinese independent schools as well as temples and non-Muslim religious bodies, with the allocation to be increased to RM90mil next year.
At the event, Hajiji also said a Chinese leader would be appointed Sabah Deputy Chief Minister if the incumbent government retains power after the coming state election.
He said the move would reflect the state government’s appreciation of the Chinese community’s continued support, which he described as vital to Sabah’s growth and stability.
“If the government is given another mandate, I will appoint one of the Chinese leaders as Deputy Chief Minister. This is to recognise and honour the community’s trust and support,” he said.
Hajiji added that Chinese leaders have consistently been entrusted with key responsibilities, including managing GLCs and holding senior portfolios in finance, industry and energy.
“Our true identity is that we are Sabahans. Everyone is part of the same family, and we must continue in this spirit,” he said.
Sabah has three deputy chief ministers – Sabah STAR president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, acting Parti Bersatu Sabah president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and Putatan MP-cum-Tanjung Keramat assemblyman Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.
Its 29-member Cabinet includes four Chinese representatives, with two serving as full ministers.
They are Datuk Seri Christina Liew (Tourism, Culture and Environment), Datuk Phoon Jin Zhe (Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship), Datuk Tan Lee Fatt (Finance) and Datuk Flovia Ng (Community Development and People’s Wellbeing).
