KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal has called on local "towkays" and business owners to invest in the state's development amid the challenging economic climate.
Mohd Shafie said while he has plans to secure international investments for Sabah from China, Japan and European countries, he also wants local investors to participate in developing the state with the government and the rakyat.
The Parti Warisan Sabah president particularly said he would assist in expediting approvals for property development projects that would create more jobs for Sabahans.
"Don't worry too much about delayed approvals. You can come to my office and I will help to speed up approvals to develop homes. The state needs that kind of investment.
"We need that sort of reform to ensure that the people have jobs. When the rakyat have jobs, they have money. When they have money, they don't need financial aid," he said at the state-level Chinese New Year Open House in Hakka Hall here on Tuesday (Feb 5).
Mohd Shafie assured local proprietors, who were based in and out of the state, that Sabah was still one of the most politically and financially stable states in Malaysia despite being hit by economic turbulence.
"We know what role we can play as the state government, but I am sure we cannot do it alone. We need the support of some proprietors people who have done well.
"This is the moment that your service is very much required to help develop Sabah," he said.
Mohd Shafie, who is also the state Finance Minister, thanked the Chinese community for supporting the Warisan-led state government and being a "formidable force" in toppling the previous administration.
He urged Sabahans to rise above their differences and work together to develop the state instead of being fixated on talks about race and religion.
Among those present at the event were Sabah governor Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Darell Leiking, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Azis Jamman, Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Seri Madius Tangau and Datuk Christina Liew, as well as other members of the Sabah cabinet.
More than 7,000 people attended the Chinese New Year Open House.
Win a prize this Mother's Day by subscribing to our annual plan now! T&C applies.
