KOTA KINABALU: People's criticism of the "Sabah Maju Jaya" (SMJ) slogan under the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government does not reflect any disrespect to the official state motto, says Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
The Sabah Umno chairman said that the GRS government's use of the state's official motto as its call sign for development opens it up to either people supporting or criticising it based on the state government's efforts.
"The people have high expectations from the slogan introduced by the GRS government to see more sustainable changes in the aspects of progress and development in this state," he said.
He said it was not an issue when people belittled the slogan as there was a difference between the slogan introduced by GRS and Sabah's Coat of Arms which has a similar motto.
"People are not disrespecting or caring less for the state of Sabah when they question the GRS-introduced SMJ development plan.
"The usage of SMJ here are two different issues," he said at the GERAK17 Sabah Umno programme for the Sugud constituency in Beluran.
He said the people were really hoping for improvement in basic infrastructure such as better roads, a stable and clean water and electricity supply, and a growing economy.
"These are not being met and people's daily lives are affected," Bung said, adding that the "Sabah Maju Jaya" motto in the Sabah Coat of Arms, introduced on Sept 16, 1988, remained respected by the people.
"As for Umno, we will continue to be consistent with our slogan 'Bersatu, Bersetia, Berkhidmat (United, Loyal and Serve)' to continue serving the people in this state," said Bung.
Previously, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor criticised certain political parties for mocking or ridiculing the SMJ slogan and reminded them that it was the state's official motto.
