Abdul Kassim calls for statutory body to drive Sabah’s digital agenda, strengthen human capital

KOTA KINABALU (Dec 16): A statutory body dedicated to driving Sabah’s digital agenda should be established to ensure a more coordinated, efficient, and effective approach to digitalisation across critical sectors, nominated assemblyman Datuk Abdul Kassim Razali said.

Speaking during the debate on the Sabah Budget 2026 at the State Assembly Sitting on Tuesday, Abdul Kassim said digital transformation could no longer be implemented in silos, stressing the need for a centralised body to steer policies and execution in line with the state’s development goals.

“I would like to propose the establishment of a statutory body specifically focused on digitalising critical sectors, to ensure a coordinated, efficient and effective approach in implementing the digital agenda in this state,” he said.

Abdul Kassim also underscored the importance of youth as Sabah’s most valuable asset, describing them as future leaders and key determinants of the state’s long-term direction.

“As such, it is our responsibility to provide a conducive ecosystem for them to develop their talents, potential and interests in a positive and structured manner,” he said.

“In our enthusiasm to discuss physical infrastructure such as roads, bridges and high-rise buildings, we must not forget another equally important pillar — human infrastructure,” he said.

Without skilled human capital, Abdul Kassim warned that foreign investments and new industrial developments would not benefit Sabahans fully.

“All the factories built and investments attracted will not be filled by our own people. Our children will end up as spectators of progress, or at best, unskilled labourers in their own land,” he said.

In this regard, he welcomed and fully supported the RM437.93 million allocation in Budget 2026 to empower and develop human capital, describing it as a strategic investment.

“This RM437.93 million investment in human capital will never be a loss. We may not see its results immediately in the form of grand buildings next year, but we will reap the benefits in five to 10 years when these children emerge to lead the state and drive the economy,” he said.

Abdul Kassim urged implementing agencies such as Yayasan Sabah, JPSM, KPSTI and the Education Department to reduce bureaucratic hurdles in the disbursement of assistance.

“Ensure that no Sabahan child drops out of school because of poverty,” he said, adding that while Sabah had achieved zero hardcore poverty this year, sustained educational support was crucial to prevent families from slipping back into hardship.

He also stressed that human capital development should not focus solely on academic excellence, but must include moral and spiritual formation.

“We want to produce intellectuals with integrity, not robots who are good at working but empty in spirit,” he said.

As such, Abdul Kassim expressed full support for the RM151.08 million allocation to the Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAINS) for the development and operation of Islamic religious affairs, including religious schools and mosques.

He said institutions such as State Religious Schools (SAN) and Community Religious Schools (SAR) play a vital role in strengthening the moral foundation of youths against increasingly serious social ills, and hoped the funds would be used to upgrade dilapidated facilities to create a more conducive learning environment.

“My focus in this debate is how we ensure that every sen of nearly half a billion ringgit truly produces a ‘Golden Generation of Sabah’ capable of competing globally,” he said.

Abdul Kassim also called on the government to intensify efforts to change public perception of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), noting that in developed countries such as Germany and Japan, TVET graduates form the backbone of the economy.

“With the entry of high-impact investments such as the Esteel green steel plant in Sipitang and the manufacturing sector contributing 7.2 per cent to the state’s GDP, we will need thousands of technicians, engineers and skilled workers,” he said.

He noted that RM39.24 million had been allocated to the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, and proposed that part of the funds be used to establish a more aggressive Industry Matching Programme.

“Ensure that the syllabus at our skills institutes aligns with the machinery used at KKIP or POIC Lahad Datu. We should not be training youths to repair carburettor engines when the industry has already shifted to electric vehicles. We must remain relevant,” he said.

Touching on youth engagement in motorsports, he said strong interest among young people was often constrained by the lack of recognised and safe facilities.

To address this, Abdul Kassim proposed the construction of a motorsports circuit on federal land in Kampung Laya-Laya, Tuaran.