By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: The younger generation must be equipped with moral education rooted in integrity as they are the future leaders who will determine the nation’s destiny, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said noble values such as honesty, trustworthiness and responsibility should be instilled from an early age at home, strengthened in schools, and practised in daily life.
“The Kedai Jujur (Honest Shop) Programme is the best platform for students to practise integrity every day. It is a valuable exercise to prepare them for the more complex challenges of the outside world,” he said when launching the programme at SK Mutiara.
Hajiji stressed that teaching children to uphold integrity is not solely the responsibility of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), but must be shouldered by society as a whole.
He said success in cultivating integrity can only be achieved when all parties work together to make it a way of life in every aspect.
Hajiji is confident that nurturing honesty and responsibility in children from a young age is the foundation for building a future generation of leaders with integrity and credibility.
“This Honest Shop concept can serve as an early shield to prevent misconduct and unethical behaviour among school students,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to the three main agencies — MACC, the Sabah State Education Department, and SuriaGroup — for their outstanding commitment in launching the programme.
He said collaboration between the government, corporate sector and educational institutions can be a catalyst for holistic community development.
Hajiji also called for more schools to participate in the programme, reminding that integrity begins at home, in schools and in every corner of life.
He explained that the Honest Shop concept is based on a long-standing practice in Sabah where roadside stalls are left unattended, with goods displayed alongside a collection box, relying on the honesty of buyers.
“This culture is the foundation of the programme in schools, ensuring that the value of honesty continues to thrive among the younger generation,” he said.
He further expressed appreciation to SuriaGroup, a local government-linked company (GLC) that pioneered the programme, and hoped the initiative would inspire other companies to contribute towards strengthening the culture of integrity, especially among Sabah’s children.
Hajiji said the programme is being implemented in 10 schools across Sabah, including in Kota Kinabalu, Kudat, Sandakan, Tawau and Lahad Datu, with SK Mutiara serving as the official launch site.
He also announced the approval of a special allocation of RM20,000 for SK Mutiara to fund the school’s activities.
