Sabah education grading system ‘unfair’, lacks career progression, says James Ratib

KOTA KINABALU (Jan 16): Sabah Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk James Ratib has described the existing grade structure within the State Education Department as unfair, saying the issue will be raised with the Ministry of Education (MoE).

Speaking after delivering his ministerial address at the Sabah International Convention Centre on Thursday, James said several deputy directors in the department are currently placed at Grade 54 – the same level as district education officers – despite carrying broader responsibilities at the state level.

“This creates a situation where there is no proper career progression,” he highlighted.

“The director holds a Jusa B position, but there is no Jusa C post for deputy directors. The structure stops there,” he explained.

He further noted that the absence of Jusa C positions has affected morale among senior officers, as their responsibilities and workload are not reflected in their grading.

“If you are a deputy director, people see you as a deputy director, but your grade is the same as a district education officer. For me, that is not balanced and not fair,” he said.

Recalling his tenure at the Health Ministry, James said similar administrative and structural challenges had previously been raised with the federal government and were resolved through proper engagement and cooperation.

He said this led to tangible improvements, including the upgrading of nearly 100 dilapidated health clinics across Sabah within two years.

“I believe the same approach can be taken in the Education Ministry. Issues in Sabah must be brought up through proper channels, with data and clear justification,” he said.

James added that addressing the grading issue would require close cooperation between the state and federal governments, as staffing structures and service schemes fall under federal jurisdiction.

He stressed that effective collaboration is essential to ensure education policies and reforms in Sabah are implemented smoothly and without unnecessary delays.

He also said a stronger and more balanced administrative structure is critical to accelerating efforts to address dilapidated schools in Sabah, particularly in rural and interior areas, where projects often require faster coordination and decision-making.

James said the state will prioritise improvements to scale six dilapidated schools involving projects below RM1 million, which can be completed within a shorter time frame, while continuing engagements with the MoE on seven larger scale projects that require longer approval processes.

He added that effective implementation of these upgrades depends on having empowered and motivated senior officers who are able to oversee planning, approvals, and execution efficiently.

In this regard, James said he would formally convey a proposal to the MoE for the creation of at least two Jusa C positions within the State Education Department to improve administrative balance and morale among senior officers.

He stressed that a strong and motivated administrative structure is essential to support policy implementation and education reforms in the state.

“Education reforms will not succeed if the system managing them is weak or demotivated. We need a structure that recognises responsibility, experience and leadership.”