Salleh, who is the Usukan assemblyman, said his call was in line with the government’s vision to produce competitive human capital in a changing business environment.

He said there was a need to give priority to educating the workforce as well as future generations on new kinds of high-demand jobs, such as in information technology and software development, digital marketing and finance, as well as project managers, sales and business executives, medical professionals, educators and customer service executives.

“Therefore, we need to take a holistic approach and focus on education that enhances the skills of our society to take on jobs in new technologies in a digital and automated world,” he said at the Sabah state assembly in Kota Kinabalu today.

Salleh said the government played a vital role in developing the skills and level of education of the community.

“Some governments are actively involved in increasing human capital by providing higher education opportunities to the people at no cost.

“These governments realise that the knowledge people acquire through education helps develop the economy and boost economic growth.

“Employees with good education or better skills tend to earn higher incomes which, in turn, boosts economic growth through additional consumer spending,” he said.

Salleh urged the government to review the role of health in post-pandemic society by ensuring that it is a part of discussions on economic growth.

He also suggested that the government take an integrated approach to improve the health sector.

“The most effective health agenda is to balance environmental, social and behavioural health as well as preventive care in addition to treatment needs,” he said.