Close Govt-people Cooperation Drives Sabah’s Inclusive Development – Musa

KOTA KINABALU, March 30 (Bernama) -- The stability and progress enjoyed by Sabah today are the result of consensus and shared commitment between the state government and its people to strengthen the economy while enhancing social well-being, despite facing various challenges and changes, said Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman.

He said the close cooperation between both sides has enabled Sabah to continue moving forward, including in efforts to ensure more inclusive and balanced development, particularly in rural areas.

According to him, Sabah has shown encouraging progress in the economic, investment and infrastructure sectors in recent years.

“Various initiatives have been implemented to strengthen the state’s economic foundation through the empowerment of key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, industry and resource-based economy.

“Efforts to attract domestic and foreign investments have also been intensified to create more job opportunities and stimulate sustainable growth,” he said in a special address in conjunction with the Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri’s 75th official birthday at Istana Seri Kinabalu here today.

Musa delivered the special address at the investiture ceremony for Sabah state honours, decorations and medals, which saw 90 individuals receive their awards.

Also present were Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and other members of the state government.

Musa also called on the state government to emphasise the development of basic infrastructure, including the construction and upgrading of roads, clean water supply systems and stable electricity supply facilities.

He said such efforts are crucial to ensure the well-being of the people is safeguarded, while also driving economic growth and strengthening connectivity between urban and rural areas.

He added that well-planned and resilient infrastructure development will serve as a catalyst for the state’s overall progress to ensure no community is left behind.

Musa said education and human capital development must also be prioritised to produce a knowledgeable, highly skilled and competitive younger generation in line with current job market demands, as well as to enhance quality medical facilities and comprehensive healthcare services so that every citizen receives prompt, safe and effective treatment.

At the same time, Musa expressed satisfaction with the ongoing digital transformation in public service delivery, describing the digitalisation of systems and work processes as capable of enhancing efficiency, transparency and accessibility for the people.

“The need to strengthen integrity in the public service must always remain a priority in building an administration that is respected and trusted by the people,” he said.

He added that accountability and transparency in the management of state finances are also crucial to ensure every allocation truly benefits the people.

Every spending decision must be made carefully, guided by the principles of good governance and taking into account effectiveness and long-term impact, he said.

-- BERNAMA