Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Noor said strong Sabah-Federal relations will help intensify economic recovery efforts for the state and improve the livelihood of the people in the post-Covid-19 pandemic era.
He said Sabah is still in recovery as the region faces issues amplified by the pandemic including high poverty and unemployment rates.
"The Federal Government has been receptive to Sabah’s needs through its commitments under the 12th Malaysia Plan to enhance Sabah’s development," he said.
"In the spirit of the national Keluarga Malaysia and Sabah-led Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plans, greater Sabah-Federal collaborations can strengthen relations and forge understanding to drive the recovery and development of this region and improve the livelihood of Sabahans."
He was speaking at the launch of the 26th edition of the Malaysia Economic Monitor by the World Bank today.
The Chief Minister said good ties between Sabah and the Federal Government have led to much progress, most recently with the additional increase of Sabah’s Special Grant from RM26.7 million to RM125.6 million.