Anwar, accompanied by Hajiji, being greeted by Sabah State Cabinet members.
KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor is confident that Sabah’s 40 per cent special grant entitlement will be finalised soon, due to the good relations between the State and Federal Governments.
“We believe that a close and strong relationship is not only necessary but vital for continuous progress. This includes matters of sovereignty, security, unity and
nationhood.
“While we advocate for Sabah’s rights, we must not forget our responsibility to safeguard national interests,” he stressed.
“I am confident that a strong relationship will bring many benefits, including the finalisation of the Federal Government’s obligation regarding the 40 per cent revenue entitlement payment for Sabah, which we hope can be finalised soon for our mutual benefit,” he said at the Sentuhan Madani programme, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here today.
The Chief Minister highlighted the State Government’s commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities and elevating Sabah’s status over the next five years.
“Our primary goal is to drive economic progress and improve the wellbeing of our people. Every plan we implement must focus on their prosperity, whether directly or indirectly, through economic advancement and employment opportunities,” he added.
He said, beginning next year, Sabah’s development policy will be guided by the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 plan. This will include the establishment of three new industrial parks – an Industrial Park for the Blue Economy Industry in Kudat, an Oil and Gas Industrial Park in Beaufort and an Industrial Park for High Technology and Semiconductors between Kota Belud and Kota Marudu to accommodate increasing
investor interest.
Reiterating the State Government’s dedication to protecting Sabahans’ interests, Hajiji announced enhanced social welfare programmes. These include the construction of 50 Rumah Mesra SMJ units for each state constituency to assist the poor and hardcore poor, alongside RM300 monthly financial assistance for 100,000 recipients next year.
He said new financial assistance for senior citizens aged 60 and above without a fixed income and a deposit financing incentive for first-time homebuyers will also be introduced.
The Chief Minister said State Government will intensify efforts to upgrade basic infrastructure, allocating over RM1.2 billion for water supply, with phased completion starting middle of next year.
He also extended his appreciation to the Prime Minister for the RM765 million allocation to complete the Sabah Southern Link Project, which will connect the West Coast electrical grid to the East Coast to resolve power disruptions there.
Hajiji commended the security forces for their exemplary work in maintaining public order during the recent election.
