Hajiji (middle) and other officials from the Sabah government celebrating the Lantern Festival together with the Chinese community in Lido Square on Sunday night (Aug 28).
KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has urged the Chinese to continue being a key component in Sabah’s economic development, as he paid tribute to the community for their contribution in the state.
The Sabah Chief Minister said that it is undeniable that the Chinese community plays a vital role in the state’s quest for economic prosperity.
“In economic development and generation, the state is giving opportunies to all people including the Chinese community; it cannot be denied that it plays a big role.
“The Chinese community are known for being smart in doing business and that their role in economy is very important,” he said when launching the Lantern Festival in conjunction with the Moon Cake Festival at Lido Square here on Sunday night (Aug 28).
At the same time, Hajiji said the government is also open to giving opportunities to every investment that could bring about economic development and provide working opportunities to the people.
Among those present were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Datuk Abidin Madingkir, Sabah Progressive Party president Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee and Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Noorliza Awang Alip.
Towards this end, Hajiji said the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government will continue protecting the welfare and interests of all Sabahans including the Chinese community.
“We also desire the Chinese community to continue supporting the government of the day as we trying our best to bring about development for the state and its people,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said the state government was also supportive of the people in Sabah who were of various faiths and races to hold their respective cultural celebrations.
He said this freedom has enabled Sabah to stand out compared to others as well as to become a harmonious state.
“This harmony in diversity must be maintained. We are free to celebrate our respective festivals and this is what that makes our state unique. For example tonight, the Chinese community here are celebrating the Lantern Festival and we are celebrating it together with them,” said Hajiji
“Such an environment must be continued forever as we are united as Malaysians in Sabah,” he added.
