GRS will ensure equal development for all in Sabah, says Hajiji

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government under Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is committed to ensuring equal development for all the communities in the state, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

"The GRS government has achieved many successes since taking over the helm of administrations with the full mandate from the people after the (2020) state election.

"I thank the people, especially the Chinese community for their continuous support by working together with the state government to bring prosperity to Sabah," he said at the launching of the 2022 Chinese New Year Dragons, Unicorns and Lions Dance Festival organised by the United Sabah Chinese Communities Association of Kota Kinabalu (USCCAKK) here on Saturday (Jan 15).

He said it was the state government’s hope that the people would continue to show their support by becoming partners in progress to realise the government’s development agenda.

"It is my aspiration as Chief Minister to chart a development path for Sabah and rakyat.

"For this purpose, we have launched the five-year development roadmap, Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya last year," he said.

Hajiji reiterated that the state government had been emphasising the development of the human capital and people’s wellbeing evident from the huge allocation of RM164.12mil under the state 2022 Budget for the relevant agencies, educational and religious bodies.

"In line with the Malaysian Family spirit the allocations are for the benefit of all religions and races in Sabah," he added.

The biggest ever allocation approved by the state government totalling RM47mil for non-Muslim religious bodies and vernacular as well as mission schools this year also reflected the state government’s sincerity to take care of the welfare of all the people in Sabah, he said.

In relation to this year’s Chinese New Year, he believed the whole people of Malaysia looked forward to welcoming the Year of the Tiger, which was known for its strength, prowess and bravery, especially after going through an unprecedented challenge from the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Looking forward, I am sure the expectation for things to get better is higher this year,” he said in commending USCCAKK for its unwavering commitment to organise the festival during the pre-Covid-19 years."