Pakatan Harapan candidate Datuk Ruji Ubi vows to build additional secondary school in Merotai to address educational needs and improve infrastructure
TAWAU: Pakatan Harapan candidate Datuk Ruji Ubi has committed to building an additional secondary school in the Merotai state constituency if elected.
The former national unity ministry secretary-general said current educational facilities are insufficient for local students’ needs.
Only two secondary schools currently serve the area – SMK Merotai and SMK Abaka – forcing many students to travel long distances to Tawau town.
“There is a clear need, especially in the next four to five years, for an additional secondary school in the Merotai constituency,” Ruji told Bernama after a campaign event at the Air Panas District Voting Centre.
“This is an issue I had raised even during my tenure as secretary-general of the Ministry of Education.”
His educational commitment aligns with broader development goals for Merotai and ensuring equitable opportunities for local children.
Beyond education, Ruji identified infrastructure improvements as another priority for the constituency.
He highlighted the lack of street lighting in Chinese villages and inadequate drainage maintenance in Air Panas.
“There are dark stretches of road in this area, particularly in the Chinese villages, and there is a need to install solar street lights,” he said.
“Drain maintenance in Air Panas is also crucial, as heavy rain can easily lead to flash floods.”
Ruji faces a four-cornered contest for the Merotai seat in the upcoming Sabah state election.
The constituency falls under Tawau parliamentary area, approximately 300 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu.
Polling for the 73-seat state election is scheduled for November 29, with early voting on November 25. – Bernama
