Let's continue to develop Sabah together, Hajiji tells Chinese community

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's Chinese community has been urged to "join hands" with the government to develop the state together in the Year of the Tiger.

Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Noor said Sabahans should work together as a family to ensure the plans laid out in the state's development agenda, themed Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ), come to fruition.

"The past two years have been difficult for us due to the pandemic but we have to accept this and persevere.

"May the Year of the Tiger see our state continue moving forward, and the people living in peace and harmony," he said in his Chinese New Year message broadcast over RTM on Monday (Jan 31).

Hajiji said the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) state government will always support and encourage the Chinese community in the state to organise cultural activities, including the Chinese New Year celebrations.

He said the festival is celebrated together by people of other races and religions in Sabah, a unique feature of the state that represented the best model of the Malaysian Family concept.

The Chief Minister also advised the people to continue observing Covid-19 standard operating procedures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus during the festivities.

"On behalf of the state government and my family, I wish the Chinese community Gong Xi Fa Cai," he added.

Sabah's political and business leaders have expressed hope that the Year of the Tiger will see the economy roaring back, along with the people's social activities, after being affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sabah Pakatan Harapan chairman Datuk Christina Liew said it was hoped that the country's economic recovery will continue as the Tiger symbolises beauty, power, strength and courage.

Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) president Datuk Yong Teck Lee said there were hopes among the people that it would be a better year with increased economic prospects and a return to normalcy.

Kota Kinabalu United Sabah Community Association president Datuk Susan Wong said the pandemic had taught people to realise the importance of health and family.