KOTA MARUDU, April 4 (Bernama) -- The Federal government had never neglected development programmes in Sabah and Sarawak but instead had always tried compliment development in the peninsula with that of Sabah, Sarawak, especially in education, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus.

"We are very lucky to have a government that was always concerned with the well being of its people and education, including in Sabah and Sarawak.

"It also shows that the government had always strived to bridge the academic divide among students from the rural and urban areas of Sabah and Sarawak," he told reporters officiating at the opening of SK Malangkap hostel here today.

Dr Maximus said the efforts were also in line with the country's mission of producing a learned community that was innovative, knowledgeable and one that had very positive and high integrity.

In these aspects, the ministry would always assist the government in its aspiration to inculcate a first class mentality, especially among the younger generation.

Dr Maximus also thanked ECM Libra for its vast contributions in building the hostel that would help house about 80 students who lived far from the school.

"Through providing such facilities, we hope the students will continue to acquire knowledge, no matter where they lived," said Dr Maximus.