SABAH is expected to end 2022 with a record RM6 billion in revenue – the highest achieved since independence, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.Hajiji attributed it to the good working relationship among leaders in the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-Barisan Nasional (GRS-BN) State Government.
The GRS-BN State Government, in the very first year after taking over amid the Covid-19 pandemic, logged RM5.449 billion in revenue, itself a record.
Hajiji, who is also GRS Chairman, said: “The record revenue outperforms that of the previous Warisan or BN state governments. Prior to this, the highest revenue ever recorded was RM4.5 billion under the leadership of Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman in 2014.
“With the record income, I pledge to manage the fund properly for the development and benefit of the people of Sabah,” he said at a dinner with the Chinese community at Dewan Seri Sulaman in Tuaran on Nov 8.
Hajiji said he also instructed the Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary to allocate even more – RM54 million this time – to Chinese schools, Missionary schools and non-Muslim organisations in the State next year, while not forgetting Muslim interests.
“The RM54 million will be the highest ever, as previously the average was between RM20 million and RM25 million annually.
“The State Government always emphasises justice and fairness in all aspects, including in helping the people, regardless of race and religion,” he said.
“Unlike the previous Warisan-led State Government, the GRS-BN administration has the full mandate from Sabahans by winning the 2020 State election. The Warisan Plus government could not last long because it was formed through the betrayal of Upko,” he said, referring to the collapse of a duly elected government in 2018 by the pullout of a BN partner (Upko) after being sworn in.
The Warisan Plus government that was formed with the help of Upko’s betrayal also did not last when most of the assemblymen who switched sides, betrayed the Warisan-Plus government in turn by switching sides again.
Hajiji said the State’s success under the GRS-BN State Government is also an indication of the effectiveness of Sabah’s five-year Sabah Maju Jaya roadmap, a strategic development plan launched on March 29 last year.
“Sabah Maju Jaya is actually our forefathers and leaders’ vision as stated in our State crest’s motto.
“But, somehow, some of our past leaders seem to forget about it. As a result, some of our leaders even abused and mismanaged the State’s funds…we are a rich State yet the poorest,” he told the crowd of about 1,000 people.
Hajiji said under the GRS-BN State Government, Sabah managed to attract many foreign investors.
“With more foreigners investing in Sabah and opening up factories and plants, it will benefit Sabahans as many would be able to gain employment and need not go the peninsula or foreign countries to seek employment,” he said.
Hajiji said many ambassadors and high commissioners, especially from Arab countries, met him lately to discuss investment opportunities in Sabah.
Hence, he hoped the people would continue to support the GRS-BN State Government to make Sabah great again.
Also present were Assistant Tourism and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Assistant Finance Minister Jasnih Daya, Political Secretary to the Chief Minister Datuk Roland Chia and Organising Chairman, George Teo.
The event was organised by an NGO in collaboration with 12 Chinese associations and five Chinese schools in Tuaran in appreciation and to celebrate Hajiji’s achievements.
Meanwhile, Joniston, who is also Kiulu Assemblyman and also the GRS candidate for Tuaran in the coming GE15 said he is confident that the people of Tuaran would vote for GRS.
“The people in Sulaman and Pantai Dalit constituencies will vote for GRS because of Hajiji’s leadership and those in Kiulu and Tamparuli, the people will support GRS because PBS is a member of GRS and both state constituencies are under PBS,” he said.
Joniston urged the people to turn out in full force on voting day on Nov. 19 to exercise their rights and give him and GRS a big victory.
George in his speech commended Hajiji for a good job in administering the State.
He urged the Chinese community to support the GRS-BN State Government led by Hajiji as he has proven his capability.
“Hajiji only took over the State Government two years ago and his track record is for all to see. The people of Sabah will benefit from his leadership,” he said.
