Lack of quality jobs for Sabah's young: Muda

Daily Express

10-05-2025

Published on: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Published on: Sat, May 10, 2025 Text Size: Faezrah called for a renewed approach to the people's economy, including empowering communities and small entrepreneurs, especially in rural areas. Kota Kinabalu: Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) Sabah Acting Chairperson Faezrah Rizalman said more than half of Sabah's population is under 50, making the State rich in youthful energy and potential to drive change. 'This young generation is the backbone of Sabah. However, their potential can only be realised if we are truly ready to lead with a clear vision,' she said in a statement. She said genuine change requires more than cosmetic reforms – courage to rebuild the State's foundations through principled and visionary leadership. She called for a renewed approach to the people's economy, including empowering communities and small entrepreneurs, especially in rural areas. 'We cannot continue to rely on short-term aid. We must develop long-term support systems that help people build skills and resilience,' she said. She also said Sabah is losing too many young talents who migrate due to a lack of quality jobs. 'This is not just about brain drain, it's about losing the potential to develop the State with its own people,' she said. She emphasised the need to build an attractive, competitive job ecosystem, particularly in the tech, innovation and creative sectors, to attract and retain young Sabahan talent. She said skills-based education must be prioritised, particularly in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (Tvet), which has long been misperceived as a second-class pathway. 'Tvet is not for academic failures. In today's digital and tech-driven era, it should be a primary route,' she stressed. She added that Sabah must invest in lifelong learning so that its workforce can upskill without needing to leave the State. However, education without job opportunities is an unfulfilled promise. Faezrah also underlined the need for systemic reform, including improvements in public services and digital infrastructure to support human capital development. 'Digital transformation is not just about being able to pay for parking via an app. It must be holistic — covering everything from business registration, licence renewals, and grant applications, to land management — all in a way that is efficient, transparent and people-friendly,' she said. Faezrah said Muda is not offering false promises but is committed to building Sabah with a new generation unafraid to shape the future. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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