COOPERATION between the Government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) needs to continue in explaining the concept of Malaysia Madani as well as the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) concept contained in the SMJ Development Plan to the people as a whole, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
In this regard, he gave appreciation to the United Sabah Islamic Association (Usia) because, despite its NGO status, it has played a very active role in various fields, especially dakwah, social and charity works.
Since the beginning, he said, Usia has been very consistent with its responsibility in helping the Government to maintain harmony and improve wellbeing among the people of Sabah.
“That is one of the reasons why I suggest that Usia cooperate or collaborate with the State Deputy Secretary (Special Duties) Office (TSKN Office – Special Tasks) to hold a forum to provide explanations related to the idea of the Malaysia Madani and the SMJ policy.
“Cooperation and collaboration like this should continue, not only between Usia and the TSKN Office – Special Tasks but even between other ministries or departments together with any NGO.
All of you should work together for the good and interests of the community and the people,” he said when officiating the Malaysia Madani Forum: Harmony in Diversity adjournment ceremony, the Tawau Zone level WAM2CARE Implementation and the Usia and Ikdar MoU Signing Ceremony held at the Tawau Community Hall, Tawau, on Aug 27.
Hajiji said the Malaysia Madani and the SMJ Development Plan are aimed at creating prosperity and happiness for the sake of people’s wellbeing.
However, in the context of the SMJ Development Plan, he said, there are still a few people who try to ridicule the Sabah Maju Jaya slogan borrowed from the State Coat of Arms.
“To me, those who try to ridicule the Sabah Maju Jaya slogan is the same as ridiculing the efforts and struggles of the leaders and fighters of the past.
The Malaysia Madani and the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya are not mere rhetoric.
“These two concepts have been carefully drafted in order to achieve real progress for our country Malaysia and Sabah. Among the evidence of our success through the SMJ Development Plan is the achievement in the economic development sector where Sabah’s trade has reached the highest record in history.
“Last year, Sabah’s trade was worth RM118.1 billion compared to RM87.2 billion in 2021. This increase of 35.4pc is due to the positive economic growth in recent times,” he said.
Therefore, he fully supports the Malaysia Madani Forum as an effort to respond to the call of the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, to build a civilised and progressive country.
“The Malaysia Madani is the direction set by the Federal Unity Government in bringing Malaysia forward as a great country in various aspects, especially its economy, development and progress including education, human resources, religion and culture.
“The Malaysia Madani is in line with the Hala Tuju SMJ Development Plan that I introduced in early 2021, as a goal or policy for the State Government direction,” he said.
In this regard, he invited all citizens, especially civil servants, as the driving force behind the State management and administration, to continue to strive and work to build a state that we can be proud of together.
In conjunction with the event, the Chief Minister also witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Usia and Ikdar (the Darul Ridzuan Institute of Islamic Skills) for the Usia-Al-Bukhary Da’wah Training Centre operations in Kampung Marasinsim, Kota Marudu.
The Chief Minister also launched the Wadah Amal Menteri (WAM2Care) programme for Tawau which aims to provide various educational assistance to students in Sabah, among them the Sabah School Benevolent Assistance (BISBA) and Parent-Teacher Association Activity Assistance (BAGUS).
Also present were Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif; Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Haji Ruslan Muharam and Usia President Datuk Sapawi Ahmad.
