CHIEF Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor wants the harmony and peace enjoyed by the people and the State to continue and be preserved.
He said the State Government would ensure that all Sabahans, regardless of race or religion, are able to celebrate their festivals.
The celebration of festivals such as Chinese New Year, Christmas and Hari Raya Aidilfitri should be used as a platform to further strengthen relations and unity.
“Equitable development for all citizens will continue to be practised, including the provision of allocations to vernacular schools and missionaries as well as non-Muslim religious bodies in this State,” he said at a Chinese New Year event organised by the State
Government and the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) in Kota Kinabalu on Jan 23.
For that purpose, Hajiji said the State had allocated a total of RM54.05 million in this year’s State Budget.
Head of State Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and his consort Toh Puan Norlidah RM Jasni, were the guests of honour.
The Chief Minister said he was pleased to see that the event was not only attended by the Chinese community but also by people of various races and religions.
“We will continue to give focus to the State development agenda and the progress of the people,” he said.
Hajiji pointed out that Sabah’s progress and growth were on the right track under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan.
“To date, the State Government has earned a revenue of RM6.6 billion, proof that this is our best performance since independence,” Hajiji said.
“I want the people, including the Chinese community, to continue with us on this journey.
“On behalf of the State Government, I would like to express my gratitude to all of you for your continued support over the years,” he added.
Earlier, the Chief Minister also attended the Chinese New Year open house organised by Sabah DAP Chairman Datuk Frankie Poon, who is also Tanjong Papat Assemblyman in Sandakan.
During the event, he said he hoped the State Government and the people in Sabah would continue to unite and focus on fulfilling the State’s development agenda.
“Today, I am happy that we have an inclusive government, a combination of members from Pakatan Harapan, Barisan Nasional and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah.
“It is important that we all function as a united team by sharing common aspirations that are built on trust and mutual respect. Let us unite to ensure that this administration runs smoothly,” he said.
Regarding this year’s Chinese New Year, which is designated as the Year of the Rabbit, he said the rabbit in the Chinese zodiac is associated with peace, prosperity and longevity.
“May this Year of the Rabbit take us forward and the people will live in peace and be able to deal with various challenges, economically and health-wise,” he added.
He thanked the Chinese community for their support and cooperation in helping the State Government to develop Sabah and improve the wellbeing of the people.
Earlier, Sabah DAP Chairman Datuk Frankie Poon Ming Fung said political stability in Sabah seemed to have improved under the Hajiji-led unity government.
“Hence, I believe our (Sabah) economy will improve. I believe this Year of the Rabbit will bring more opportunities and wealth for the public,” he added.
