NABAWAN: The Education Ministry needs close rapport with the state government to streamline education development programmes in Sabah.
If state and federal governments do not move on the same page, Senior Education Minister Dr Radzi Jidin said his ministry would face difficulties in implementing any programme for the state.
He said this was important to ensure Sabah was not left behind and that problems related to education infrastructure, especially in rural areas, can be tackled without any obstacle.
"The state government needs to be in line with us. The same goes for the State Education Department, District Education Office (PPD), and schools, so we can bring education in Sabah to a better level," he said.
Radzi emphasised this in his speech during a meet-and-greet event with the Senior Education Minister at SMK Nambayan and SMK Tambunan in Tambunan as well as SK Pekan Nabawan here, on Sunday.
The same message was also reiterated in every school walkabout he did in Penampang and Keningau districts during his two-day visit to the interior of Sabah.
Radzi's presence in the interior was very much welcomed by teachers and schools' Parent and Teachers Association.
SK Pekan Nabawan headmaster Quirins Williams said the school community was honoured to have the opportunity to meet with the senior minister.
"We hope that his visit can provide a boost in improving the quality of education in Nabawan," she said.