KOTA KINABALU, May 4 — The MARA junior science college here is now known as MRSM Tan Sri Musa Aman effective today.

The new name was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi here this afternoon as a tribute to the former Sabah chief minister for establishing the MRSM.

“Without him, there won’t be a MARA junior science college here. This is his brainchild.

“In fact we should name the institution here MRSM Tan Sri Musa Aman,” Zahid, who is also the federal rural and regional development minister, said.

Advertisement

Zahid, who is also Umno president and Barisan Nasional chairman, said the new name takes effect today.

Musa served as Sabah chief minister for 15 years from 2003 to 2018.

Prior to that, he was minister in the Chief Minister’s Department when MRSM Kota Kinabalu was established 21 years ago.

Advertisement

“There are two more I have not yet named, MRSM in Ranau and one more. I will name them when I get there,” Zahid added.

The MRSM in Sandakan is named after former chief minister Tun Mohammad Fuad Stephens while the Tawau branch is named Tun Datu Mustapha.

The MRSM in Semporna has yet to be named.

Earlier today, Zahid announced an allocation of some RM50 million to upgrade and repair MARA educational institutions this year.

He said that RM25 million would go to the junior colleges, RM17 million to MARA skills institutes known as IKM, and MARA technical skills colleges known as KKTM.

Another RM8 million would be for MARA colleges and MARA professional colleges.

“This is for this year. Hopefully for next year, I will get more.

“The allocation comes under the third rolling plan for the 12th Malaysian Plan,” Zahid said.

“It will involve upgrades, maintenance and repairs for buildings as well as furnishings,” he said in his speech when visiting the MRSM here this morning.

Sabah’s MARA institutions will get some RM2.347 million of which the Kota Kinabalu branch will get RM250,000 to repair its water pipes, upgrade its fireproofing and repair its furnishings.

The Kota Kinabalu branch is 21 years old and currently has some 657 students.

“I’m sure he won’t be able to see them fall into disrepair so much so I’m sure he will add on the funding,” said Zahid, referring to Musa.

MARA chairman Datuk Asyraf Wajdi earlier said that the institutions were in need of funding for upkeep of its buildings.

Zahid is here on a one-day visit. He is also scheduled to attend the Sabah Umno Aidilfitri open house later today.