KOTA KINABALU: Sabah should have its education autonomy returned to the state, says a Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) leader.

       Api-Api PBS information chief Yee Tsai Yiew claimed that the Education Ministry had failed to address educational challenges in Sabah.

       Her statement comes after the High Court here ruled in favour of three former SMK Taun Gusi students in Kota Belud who sued their former English teacher and four others for absenteeism here on Tuesday (July 18).

       Yee said the ruling was a significant step towards ensuring accountability within the education system and protecting the rights of schoolgoers.

       The ministry, she added, must adopt a more serious and systematic intervention in the effort to ensure a better educational structure in the country, particularly Sabah.

       Urging the ministry to take prompt action in light of the High Court decision, she said it is important to work towards creating an environment where all students have access to quality education and are protected from any negligence or absence on the part of teachers.

       "The Kota Kinabalu High Court ruling in favour of the former students reflects the importance of providing quality education and upholding the responsibility of teachers," she said on Wednesday (July 19).

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       The ruling, said Yee, also sends a strong message that teachers must be present and dedicated to their profession as their absence can have a profound impact on students' academic progress and overall well-being.

       She also said the ministry must take full responsibility and ensure that similar issues are addressed promptly by formulating a policy that encourages students to lodge any grievances with the ministry.

       "The ministry holds a crucial role in shaping the future of our nation through the development and implementation of effective educational policies," she added.

       However, should the ministry fail to effectively handle the diverse and complex educational needs of the entire nation, particularly Sabah and Sarawak, then it should consider returning the education autonomy to the state, said Yee.

       "I believe the Sabah and Sarawak governments will be able to foster a more localised and responsive education system.

       "This decentralisation would empower state education departments to collaborate closely with schools, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders to address the challenges faced at the grassroots level, ensuring a more efficient and effective educational framework," she said.