SMJ development plan shows positive impact - Tun Juhar

KOTA KINABALU, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- The comprehensive development plan outlined by the state government through the Sabah Maju Jaya Roadmap 2021-2025 has shown a positive impact for the benefit of the people, Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin said.

He said this could be seen through the increase in foreign direct investments (FDI) into Sabah and the implementation of development programmes that reflect the state government’s concern for its people.

Therefore, he urged all quarters to continue to be committed to supporting, implementing and making the development plan a success.

“Through the state government’s effective leadership, the comprehensive development plan as well as the close relationship with the federal government, I am confident that Sabah will continue to be on the right track to progress even more rapidly,” he said in his speech at the investiture ceremony held in conjunction with his 69th birthday at Istana Seri Kinabalu, here today.

Also present were his wife, Toh Puan Norlidah R.M Jasni; Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and his wife Datin Seri Juliah Salag; Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong.

On Thursday, Hajiji said Sabah recorded RM389 million in domestic investments from January to June 2022 and RM9.9 billion in FDI from January to September this year.

Elaborating, Juhar said the economic recovery measures taken by the state and federal governments post-COVID-19 pandemic have also shown a positive impact, with the increase in the number of tourist arrivals in Sabah, in addition to a boom in economic and social activities.

He said the initiative was supported by various efforts and continuous cooperation from all quarters, including individuals, the private sector, non-governmental organisations and government-owned companies, to ensure that every affected sector could be revived quickly.

“I call on all levels of society to continue to work together and strengthen unity as a pillar in making Sabah a prosperous state,” he said.

Juhar also wants all civil servants in Sabah to provide their best service to fulfil people’s increasing expectations for efficient and effective service delivery.

“I am confident that the digitalisation initiative towards a smart government will be able to meet that demand, in addition to being a driver of development across all sectors,” he said.

At the ceremony, six people received the Seri Panglima Darjah Kinabalu, which carries the title Datuk Seri Panglima, including Joachim, Sabah State Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim M. Yahya and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.

A total of 42 people received the Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu, which carries the title Datuk, including Deputy Finance Minister Yamani Hafez Musa, Dewan Negara member Senator Noraini Idris, Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Idris Abdullah, State Assistant Finance Minister Datuk Jasnih Daya, Sabah Chief Minister’s Department Media and Communications director Datuk Lucy Irene Yong.

Jeffrey is among six Justice of Peace (JP) recipients at today’s ceremony, which saw 54 people conferred with state awards and medals.

-- BERNAMA