Adapted From: SabahToday.Com
2nd January, 2011
KOTA KINABALU: Political stability is crucial for the implementation of development initiatives.
The programmes planned by the State and Federal governments need political stability as well as cooperation of all Barisan Nasional component parties.
“The strong bond of Sabah BN partners was reflected during the Batu Sapi by-election on November 4 this year when we retained the seat with a thumping majority, no less due to commitment by every coalition member,” Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman said in his New Year message here yesterday.
He also said all elected representatives have also been reminded to reach out to the grassroots and to find out problems faced by the people.
This, he added, is in line with the 1Malaysia concept that Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak introduced after he took office.
“Through his 1Malaysia website and Facebook page, the Prime Minister himself is getting feedback from the people on what matters most to them. Positive steps like this will propel Malaysia forward,” Musa added.
The Chief Minister called on all Malaysians in Sabah to support efforts of the government in the new year so that Sabah could increase its competitiveness in a globalised world.
“And, we must remain united in putting our strategies and plans to work for the benefit of all,” he said.
The State and Federal governments, he said, had over the last year, initiated a number of programmes aimed at making Sabah a better place to live in.
“We acknowledge that bridging the divide between rural and urban areas is important, and remains high on our agenda as part of efforts to truly push for holistic development.
“We want to see every citizen included in development,” he said.
Sabah, according to Musa, remains committed in reducing poverty through a number of projects, building more roads and other important infrastructure like schools, apart from improving power and water supply in rural areas.
“We did not use the uncertain economic climate at global level in the past year as an excuse to halt our efforts to develop Sabah. With the slow but sure recovery of the global economy, we will be able to strengthen our efforts to bring progress to the people, especially the poor,” he pointed out.
Musa also said the 2011 State Budget he tabled in November put aside a third of the RM3.07 billion allocation for developing much needed infrastructure and utilities.
The Budget, he added, is a continuation of Sabah’s plan to achieve further development, and aims to complement several initiatives introduced by the federal government including the New Economic Model, National Key Results Area, Economic Transformation Programme and the subsequent National Key Economic Areas.
“To take part in Malaysia’s economic growth, Sabah must build its own capacities so that we are able to play an effective role in Malaysia’s overall development,” he said.
The Tenth Malaysia Plan (10MP) which starts this year is another continuous development programme that Sabah remains committed to, and is looking forward to implementing.
The Sabah State government, he stressed, will work with the Federal government to carry out identified projects “and we will place emphasis through the 10MP to further improve the livelihood of certain segments of society, such as farmers, fishermen and livestock breeders.
“I must ask everyone in Sabah, especially civil servants who are directly involved in the implementation of the 10MP to give their undivided support so that the objectives and plans that have been outlined, could be met effectively, ensuring success of the whole initiative.
“We are already implementing programmes under the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) Blueprint, which outlines in detail steps that Sabah is taking until 2025 to become a leading economic region with its strategic location, natural resources and clean environment.
“Tourism, one key driver of the SDC is growing, along with the agriculture and manufacturing sectors. We are on the right track and I commend the hard working and committed people entrusted with the task of carrying out important projects, and those who provide support either from within or outside the government.
“I wish to thank civil servants who have remained dedicated to their tasks, and I hope you will continue to contribute to strengthening the civil service.
“And, I must also thank the private sector that has continuously invested in the State. Your role will increase in years to come, as envisaged by the Economic Transformation Programme,” the Chief Minister added.
He also said there is a need to continue to pay attention to providing education to the people of Sabah as human capital development plays a key role in progress.
There are a number of education institutes in the State, he said, adding that Sabah is also setting up an education hub in Sandakan so that people on the east coast have an alternative if they do not wish to travel to Kota Kinabalu to pursue their education.
“I must also take this opportunity to encourage the people of Sabah to practise life-long learning, and this includes taking up diploma and degree courses at tertiary institutions on a part time basis,” he said.
Meanwhile, Musa said Sabah is blessed with natural resources “and we must strive to add value to raw materials, and this can only be done if we have knowledgeable and skilled workers.”
“On behalf of my wife (Datin Seri Hajah Faridah Haji Tussin) and our family, I wish to extend a warm greeting to all Malaysians and to wish them a prosperous and Happy New Year.
“As we move into the New Year, let us reflect on our successes and challenges in the year that has just ended, celebrating our achievements and learning from difficulties.
“I hope that Sabah will continue to grow, and its people will see more development in the coming year. I also hope that peace and harmony will remain as values that Malaysians in Sabah continue to hold on to as we move ahead.”
(Source: New Sabah Times)
Story by: Sabah Todays
Sources: New Sabah Times
Picture By: Googles Images
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