Kota kinabalu: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on Sabah youths to be the drivers of the state’s political stability and progress by seizing the opportunities provided by the government to build a better future. He emphasized the importance of young people as a vital asset to the state, highlighting that 54 per cent of Sabah’s population comprises youths, yet the state records the highest unemployment rate in the country at 17.1 per cent.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid stated that Sabah youths should be given a premium salary of at least RM2,000 a month, contingent on their participation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses. As chairman of the National TVET Council, he pledged to prioritize skills training for Sabah youths. Ahmad Zahid made these remarks at the Lindung Kerjaya Carnival, where he was joined by Deputy Human Resource Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, and Barisan Nasional candidates for the Usukan seat Datuk Seri Mohd Salleh Said Keruak, Tadzul Radim (Pintasan), and Azuwan Marjan @ Norjan (Tempasuk).
Ahmad Zahid noted that the premium salary initiative would encourage Sabah youths to remain in their home state rather than migrating to Peninsular Malaysia or Sarawak for employment opportunities. He added that the federal government plans to strengthen training opportunities in Sabah through the establishment of new GiatMARA centres, including one in the Tempasuk state constituency, to better prepare local youths for a competitive job market.
Currently, there are 25 GiatMARA centres in Sabah. Ahmad Zahid expressed hope that under the 13th Malaysia Plan, the number of these centres would increase to train young people for high-paying job prospects. The initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to producing more skilled workers in the high-technology sector, thereby bolstering Sabah’s overall economy.
He also stressed the importance of ensuring political stability in Sabah to fully realize the state’s development potential.