Musa
KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman has called on all Sabahans to close ranks and to be focused in a joint agenda to develop Sabah.
“Do not allow parochial thinking to close our minds, as we need to work with the rest of the country in order to enjoy progress. I also call on all quarters in Sabah, despite political and other differences, to cooperate with one another for the greater good,” he said.
Musa in his New Year message to Sabahans stressed that the government was working hard to ensure the state’s sovereignty is safeguarded.
Over three years have passed since the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) and Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZONE) were set up, he pointed out, adding that there had been challenges along the way, some requiring changes and gathering more intelligence and feedback to ensure Sabah is secure.
“We must support our security forces to ensure that our state will remain safe. We must not harbour illegal immigrants and it is our responsibility to report suspicious activities in our vicinity,” he said and added that as a government that cares, it listens to suggestions made by various stakeholders and do its best to respond in a way that will satisfy everyone.
Musa said that the policies and plans designed and implemented by the government were meant to benefit the state and its people.
“And we also support initiatives that are introduced by the Federal Government. We must be innovative in the way we carry out programmes and projects and ensure that these reach the intended target groups, especially those who live in the interior. Bridging gaps between the different regions in Sabah is a priority, and this is seen even in the way we approach education with the creation of institutes of higher education, skills centres and learning hubs in different parts of the State,” he said.
Through economic and political stability and the Sabah Government’s commitment to be prudent, the State, he said had progressed well.
According to him, the State Development Agenda or Halatuju introduced 13 years ago was a timely move and one that had shown to bring results with the emphasis on tourism, agriculture and manufacturing.
In 2008, the Sabah Development Corridor was introduced and the focus has remained on these sectors, apart from encouraging the downstream processing of natural resources, such as oil and gas.
Projects that were generated via these initiatives were not only creating more local entrepreneurs, but also encouraging a growth in the number of knowledge workers, said Musa who is also Sabah Finance Minister.
“By creating quality jobs locally, youths do not have to seek jobs in other parts of the country,” he said, adding that there were many positive spin-offs that come from a vibrant economy, and one that is based on diverse sectors.
“Focusing on diverse sectors also helps when one industry is impacted negatively by factors beyond our control. Tourism, for example, is now picking up again after a slowdown following security related issues,” he stressed.
Sabah, he said, had a good working relationship with the Federal Government, which had taken the necessary steps to ensure that the state’s requests were met and concerns were addressed.
“I wish to urge Malaysians in Sabah to refrain from being drawn into the agendas of certain quarters who claim that we are being mistreated by the Federal Government. I note that despite reminders on staying united, calls for Sabah to pull out of the federation of Malaysia are still voiced. This is an irresponsible action and must not be tolerated.
“In November, I announced a RM3.78 billion surplus budget for 2017. The chosen theme for this budget is “People At Heart, Prosperity For All.”
“Such a theme reflects our commitment in improving the delivery system in order to effectively implement all plans. Upgrading of basic infrastructure, poverty eradication and balanced regional development remain high priorities for us.
“The Sabah Government promises to continue being financially sound through some of the measures that are already in place, despite global economic challenges.
“For the New Year, it is my hope that Malaysians in Sabah will chart new achievements in your respective fields and ventures. Together, we can help transform our State and nation, and put us at par with some of the best countries in the world.
“On that note, I wish you a Happy New Year 2017,” Musa concluded.