Youth key to Sabah's transformation, says Hajiji

Borneo Post

30-04-2025

James posing with the attendees at the event today.
KOTA KINABALU (April 30): Young people and youth in Sabah play an important role in ensuring that the state continues to develop and achieve excellence on par with other states in Malaysia, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.
He said that Sabah is now on the brink of a major transformation, and the Sabah government is working diligently to ensure the state achieves excellence across various fields — whether economic, social, educational, or in infrastructure development.
'To achieve the Sabah Maju Jaya goal, we need energy, ideas, and spirit from the younger generation. I hope that our youth will continue to give their full support to the government's agenda in ensuring that Sabah becomes a progressive, prosperous and competitive state.
'I am confident that the young people and youth of this state — the hope for Sabah's future — are leaders who are not only intelligent, but also possess strong character and integrity,' he said during the launch of the Young Pioneer in the Heart of the Chief Minister Programme in conjunction with the 2025 State-level Anti-Drugs Day Commemoration at the Al-Bukhari Hall, Ujana Sarjana, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sabah Branch, today.
He was represented by the Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister, Datuk James Ratib.
Hence, he said that under the Sabah Maju Jaya Roadmap 1.0, the Sabah Government places priority on human capital development as a key asset in building the future of the state and the nation, ensuring that the people remain competent, innovative, resilient, and uphold integrity.
Hajiji said the Sabah state government remains committed to providing various forms of educational assistance to Sabahan youth, recognising the vital role of education in shaping their future.
He said that this year, the State Government has allocated RM75.5 million to implement 13 comprehensive educational aid initiatives, including the Higher Education Registration Cash Assistance (BUDI) and the Special Examination Cash Assistance (BAKTI), Contributions for Local Higher Education Students (SENTOSA), Subsidised Airfare Programme (GRS-SUBFLY), and the Computer Assistance Grant (BAIK).
'Meanwhile, the allocation for the Sabah State Government Scholarship (BKNS) has been increased from RM51 million to RM128 million this year, providing more opportunities for students to pursue higher education.
All these initiatives are aimed at ensuring that no Sabahan child is left behind in chasing their dreams simply due to financial constraints. We want to nurture a generation of knowledgeable, skilled and competitive youth at the state, national, and international levels.
'We are determined to ensure that every young person in the state is given equal opportunity to realise their full potential. I would like to emphasise that the state government remains fully committed to supporting all programmes that empower our youth,' he said.
Hajiji stated that through the Young Pioneers at the Heart of the Chief Minister Programme, youths are trained not only to become future leaders but also to act as catalysts for social and economic transformation within their respective communities.
He believes that programmes such as this help to build a youth ecosystem that excels not only academically and professionally but also demonstrates maturity in social leadership.
He added that efforts to combat drug abuse are closely linked to the agenda of holistic youth development.
Therefore, he said the Young Pioneers Programme spearheaded by the Sabah Youth Council (MBS) is a strategic initiative to train young leaders in leadership skills, project management, community problem-solving, and to strengthen the spirit of patriotism and nationhood.
'This is because youth are the backbone of the state's development — not only in terms of the economy but also in shaping a civil society, reinforcing social integration, and driving grassroots community development,' he stressed.