Budget 2027: Sabah's schools need fair distribution to address gap, says assemblyman

KOTA KINABALU: The education allocations tabled in Budget 2027 must be fair for all with Sabah's education gap to be addressed comprehensively, said a state assemblyman. Tham Yun Fook, a former educator and Likas assemblyman, in welcoming the budget tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Friday (Oct 9), said a budget must not only be assessed by its size but also by just distribution, effectiveness in implementation and benefits for the people. He feels that education assistance for Form 6 students should not overlook Senior 3 students in Chinese independent secondary schools, while maintenance on these schools should also be included. As for the RM2bil for maintenance, he wants to know how much will Sabah receive, asking for the government to disclose the amount and mechanism, while also wanting details for the RM1.3bil for 682 dilapidated schools, its allocations and project progress. "It should also report how much of the RM1bil announced under Budget 2025 to upgrade 543 schools has been spent, how many projects have been completed and how many remain ongoing," said Tham. He proposed appropriate CCTV installations and digital learning equipment as part of school upgrading projects to strengthen campus safety and improve teaching and learning. On the RM8bil meant for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), he said the government must ensure Sabah's youth benefit from it, seeing how Sabah has significant potential in various critical sectors. These sectors include oil and gas, renewable energy, modern agriculture, food processing, aquaculture, digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI), tourism, hospitality, automotive services and logistics, Tham said. He said the government should publish allocations by state and institution, upgrade training workshops and equipment, strengthen partnerships with local industries, and consider transport, accommodation and equipment assistance for low-income students, particularly those from interior areas. "TVET performance should also be measured through training completion rates, graduate employability and starting salaries," he said, adding that reskilling and upskilling programmes must be strengthened to ensure training meets industry needs. The Parti Warisan assemblyman stressed that Sabah's education gap must be addressed comprehensively because of the challenges faced by interior and island communities, including transportation costs, limited internet access, inadequate learning equipment and insufficient digital facilities. Tham said assistance under supplementary food programmes for eligible students and per-capita school allocations should also reflect local logistical costs and actual needs. "I urge the government to expand internet connectivity, improve digital learning facilities and review existing assistance formulas to prevent remote schools from falling further behind," he added. He called on the government to measure the budget by its outcomes, as a good budget is not simply one with a large allocation. It must ensure fair distribution and effective implementation, Tham said, stating that every Malaysian child deserves a reasonable opportunity to learn and build a better future.