KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the mandate from the people has spurred the state’s administration team, as well as the civil servants, to double their effort and commitment to ensure all initiatives, policies and development programmes designed for the people are carried out successfully.
“This is important to ensure the political stability, social well-being and rapid economic growth that we have been enjoying all this while can be continued and further enhanced,” said Musa in his speech during the state investiture ceremony held in conjunction with the Head of State Tun Juhar Mahiruddin’s 60th birthday at Istana Negeri here yesterday.
He said over the years, the government had succeeded in bringing down the state’s poverty rate from 24.2 per cent in 2004 to 19.7 per cent in 2009, and the latest to 8.1 per cent last year.
“However, our commitment does not stop there. Instead we will double our effort and work closely with the central government to implement the various poverty eradication programmes such as the Ladang PPRT, agropolitant project, 1Azam, Housing Assistance Programme, People Housing Programme and those under the e-Kasih System,” he said. To date, the government is implementing 48 Mini Estet Sejahtera (Mesej) projects statewide.
Under the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP), the federal government has allocated RM3.024 billion for Sabah this year, and as of Sept 23, a total of RM1.2 billion or 40.4 per cent has been spent on development projects statewide, while of the RM1.05 billion allocated by the state government for the 10MP, a total of RM503.3 million or 47.6 per cent has been spent for the same purpose as of Sept 30 this year.
“As of Sept 30 this year, the investment commitments under the 18-year Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) is valued at RM116 billion since the project was launched in 2008.
“During the same period, a total of RM1.313 billion has been spent from the overall RM1.541 billion allocated under the Ninth Malaysia Plan and 10MP that was channeled to the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA). The implementation projects under SDC and other development projects will continue to be intensified as it would help to improve their livelihood through job and skill opportunities, besides improving the people’s socio-economy as a whole,” said Musa.
He said the state government will continue to be committed in driving economic growth through various incentives for foreign investors, besides providing a conducive investment arena.
“Fortunately, the influx of foreign investors are showing a positive trend that reflects their trust and confidence towards the strong economic fundamental, political stability and security measures in the state,” he said.
Under the SDC, there are three main thrusts namely manufacturing, tourism and agriculture.
He said Sabah would continue to be an investment hub for the manufacturing sector, adding that last year, about RM5.034 billion were collected from 30 projects from both local and foreign investors, thus placing Sabah the third highest state with the most foreign investment in the country.
As for tourism, for the first seven months this year, a total of 621,378 tourist arrivals were recorded against 541,552 during the same period last year, which saw an increase of 14.7 per cent, and Musa is optimistic that the numbers will continue to grow in the years ahead.
“In the effort to maintain the good work, especially the civil service’s delivery system, the government will continue to carry out upgrading to ensure that the government’s agenda are executed smoothly. We are proud for the star rating awarded to 10 ministries last year, and we hope others would emulate their excellent performance.”
He added that focus will also be given to improve the civil servants’ performances especially those related to money management competency and the delivery system.
Musa however stressed while the state government is re-intensifying efforts to further improve and develop the state, they would also preserve the state’s heritage and environment for the benefit of future generations.
In thanking the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and the central government for the assistance, he also called on the leaders of all levels and the people to continue working closely together, respecting each other and to strengthen rapport to ensure the existing peace and harmony will be preserved.
A total of 832 recipients received state awards and medals this year.