Sabah should be a model to all Malaysians, says Siddiq

Kota Kinabalu: Sabah and Sarawak symbolise what Malaysia should be, especially in establishing the tolerant multiracial and multi-religious community, said Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (pic). "I believe the colourful, multiracial and tolerant society I see here should be a model for all Malaysians," he said when addressing a dialogue full of youths at Likas Square, here, Sunday.

He said as someone from Johor, one of the bigger things he appreciates from Sabah and Sarawak is portrayed in the multi-racial attendance in the room, drawing claps and cheers from the crowd.

"I am very glad to see a lot of young faces in the room, people from various religious backgrounds, ethnic backgrounds…all united in this room.

"You are all young at heart and I am very sure the fact that you took the time to come to this event symbolises that you are genuinely into the nation-building agenda and want to contribute towards the New Malaysia," he said, drawing louder applause from the crowd.

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Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government continued its momentum in managing the economy in line with the commitment and spirit of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) when it posted record high state revenue of RM6.973 billion last year.

The dialogue was a platform for the Minister to engage and listen to the opinions and suggestions by youths not only in Sabah but also across the nation.

He said in Sabah, when he say youths are in the frontline of pushing a multiracial and multi-religious tolerant nation building agenda, the development agenda in terms of infrastructural development and investments should also be prioritised.

"I see a beautiful state with great potential and diversity, which I believe could be one of the strongest economic powers in Malaysia, if youths play a more active role in building Sabah. Enough of saying that there are not enough job opportunities in Sabah, work with the State Government to ensure there are opportunities," he said.

He said young people in Sabah can do it if they are united in this course and invest not only in Malaysia but also in the unique state identity.

"Don't ask what the Government and nation can do for you but what you can do for the nation… please invest not only in yourself but in this beautiful state, I can assure if Sabah develops greatly…. Malaysia will be an Asean economic powerhouse," he said.

He also reminded youths not to allow others to speak for them or to allow anyone to ridicule them because of their age. He said in this New Malaysia, the voice of the young people mattes a lot more than ever before, saying "politicians and government can change but the power, enthusiasm and idealism of young people should remain strong."

On another note, he said he hoped the young people of Malaysia can move forward as a collective front.

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"I appreciate seeing a lot of youths in the frontlines of change because without their support change would be impossible," he said. He said Malaysia is a very young nation, with a lot of young people who are coming up and thriving.

"We live within an Asean community which is very young with a very huge youth populace and if you are unable to tap that community, the development of a nation will be affected," he said.

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