Kota Kinabalu: The State Government is committed to ensuring equal development for all the people of Sabah regardless of race, religion and background, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor.
He reiterated that it has allocated RM176.16 million to implement religious programmes with about 31 per cent or RM54.05 million as grants for schools and non-Muslim religious bodies in this year’s State Budget.
Speaking at the Dragon, Unicorn and Lion Festival in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration at the Sabah International Convention Centre here Saturday, Hajiji said Sabah has achieved tremendous success in 2022, among them, securing foreign and domestic investments totaling RM33.4 billion.
His speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister cum Industrial Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
He attributed the successes to the collective effort and support of the people and various quarters, including organisations such as the United Sabah Chinese Communities Association of Kota Kinabalu (USCCA KK).
“I wish to express my gratitude, particularly to the Chinese community, for their continuous support in working hand-in-hand with us to prosper Sabah,” he said.
Hajiji commended USCCA KK for organising the festival which he said was timely after two years of pandemic that had forced the cancellation of many celebrations.
He said the Year of the Rabbit is associated with peace, prosperity and longevity, which should also be a year of renewed hope after going through the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hajiji reiterated that there is still much to be done and this year the State Government would continue its focus on economic recovery efforts.
Dr Joachim also represented Hajiji in handing over a mock cheque of RM200,000 to USCCA KK President Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen for organising the cultural extravaganza.
Also present were Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu, Huang Shifang, Federal Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Chan Foong Hin, Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Likas Assemblyman Tan Lee Fatt, Inanam Assemblyman Peto Galim, Nominated Assemblyman Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee, Mayor Datuk Noorliza Awang Alip, Political Secretary to the Chief Minister Datuk Dr Roland Chia, Federation of Sabah Chinese Associations (FCAS) President Tan Sri T.C. Goh, organising chairman Datuk Chua Soon Ping, Kapitans and other officials.
Meanwhile, United Sabah Chinese Communities Association of Kota Kinabalu (USCCAKK) President Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen commended the State Government led by Hajiji for respecting and supporting Chinese cultural activities in Sabah.
She said the love and care of the State Government towards the Chinese communities has ensured harmonious living in Sabah.
Susan said Hajiji has shown his strong support towards the event by allocating a grant of RM200,000.
“USCCAKK has organised this Chinese New Year Dragons, Unicorns and Lions Dance Festival annually for almost 40 years already and it has become a signature event of the association.
“We live in a multi-racial nation, and we are fortunate that the State Government under the good leadership of Hajiji respects and supports Chinese cultural activities as well as loves and cares about our Chinese communities, which creates harmonious living in Sabah,” Susan said.
