MUSA MULLS GIVING FINANCIAL HELP TO ISM

WELCOMED.... Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman welcomed by well-wishers on his arrival for Chinese New Year open house hosted by Gerakan vice-president Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah at his residence in Tawau on the third day of Chinese New Year.

DURING his Chinese New Year open house visits in Tawau on Tuesday Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Hj. Aman stopped by at the building site of the proposed Institute for Science and Management (ISM) in Tawau for a quick look.

He said that the State Government would support any initiative that aimed to boost academic quality in Sabah such as those proposed by ISM.

“I think it is most appropriate as Tawau is growing rapidly, so the ISM can give opportunity to the younger generation to pursue higher studies locally," he said at the ISM campus building project site that he visited en route to his round Chinese New Year visits. 

The Institute for Science and Management (ISM) administered by the Tawau Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCC) is the only higher learning institution in the East Coast of Sabah. It is among the 60 independent schools in the country costing about RM16 million.

ISM offers A-level courses, diploma and pre-university courses but once the campus is completed it would be able to offer university courses.

So far, they have secured about RM10 million in funds through donations as well as sponsorships and the fund raising committee expressed hope for financial assistance from the State Government.   

On the financial assistance request, Musa said he agreed in principle to provide the assistance but a proper announcement would be made in his next visit there. 

"What is important is that the State Government fully supports the good deeds of TCCC and other local community leaders who are committed to provide quality education to the younger generation," he said.

Later, Musa attended the Chinese New Year open house hosted by Gerakan Vice President Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah at Taman Leeka where he said the culture of visiting one another is an important tradition of the people in Malaysia.

"We must preserve unity and togetherness in order for us to live in peace and harmony," he said. 

Also present was Deputy Foreign Minister I, Senator Datuk Kohillan Pillay who is also a Gerakan Vice President, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Peter Pang, Assistant Finance Minister Datuk Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan and assemblymen as well as community leaders. (Insight Sabah)