THE State Government is committed to planning and carrying out activities to end extreme poverty in Sabah through the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) secretariat.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said one of the initiatives is to set aside RM125 million annually for the SMJ House Programme, which constructs homes for the extremely poor listed in the e-Kasih Statewide.
“The Government has set aside a total of RM175 million exclusively for the plan to end poverty by giving the target groups employment opportunities so they can escape the category of extremely poor. The State Government also welcomes Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s commitment towards making the people prosperous by taking steps towards eradicating poverty which coincides with the teachings of the Prophet SAW,” Hajiji said at the Sabah State-level Maulidur Rasul 1445H/2023M celebration at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Kota Kinabalu, on Sept 28.
Hajiji said the development of a great civilisation is dependent on the accomplishments of a country or ummah (Arabic for community), because the success of a great ummah will undoubtedly result in the creation of a great civilisation that brings prosperity to the entire ummah.
This is why human development is a crucial component of the SMJ Policy, which is also consistent with the Madani Malaysian framework for human development towards “Baldatun Thoyyibatun wa Rabbhun Ghafur,” or a good nation that enjoys the approval and pardon of the merciful God.
Hajiji said the State Government places a strong emphasis on education and training under the SMJ Direction in order to produce knowledgeable, skilled human capital and create a generation that is educated and capable of managing all matters and activities in various aspects, such as politics, the economy, and social, in a prudent, moral, and just manner for the welfare of the State and the people.
The SMJ 2.0 Fellows Programme will continue this year in accordance with that aspect and the second pillar of SMJ’s Direction, which is Human Capital Development and People’s Wellbeing.
The Chief Minister said the State Government is making an effort to support the development of human capital in the State with this SMJ Fellow initiative, adding the State Government is fully committed to initiatives to enable human capital to consistently be competent, inventive, resilient and honest.
“The programme began earlier this month, and in addition to graduates, we are now accepting applications from students who have received a diploma from Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) or an institution with a similar credential.
“They are placed in government departments and agencies as well as government-linked companies (GLCs) with the aim of preparing Sabah’s leadership in the future,” he said.
Specifically in the effort to redevelop the State’s economy through an investor-friendly concept and streamline the procedures for traders and foreign investors who want to do business in this country, Hajiji said the State Government is on the right track in accordance with the implementation of the SMJ Development Plan, the results of which can now be seen and felt.
The Prophet Muhammad SAW, according to Hajiji, frequently emphasised the need for brotherhood and togetherness in society and nationhood since disputes within the ummah will weaken and hurt them, finally resulting in division and destruction.
Fighting, carrying grudges, animosity, slander, and factionalism would not only thwart efforts to construct a cohesive, stable, and progressive country, but also leave the country fragmented, helpless, and susceptible to oppression.
“In Sabah, the sense of community and racial harmony must always be protected and upheld. We need to plan and organise a more conducive and progressive future in accordance with the Madani Malaysia and SMJ’s Direction, which aims to create holistic prosperity and well-being for everyone, so now is the time for us to further strengthen our friendship, foster brotherhood, and reach an understanding.”
He said Maulidur Rasul is celebrated every year with the goal that the spirit of love and affection for Prophet Muhammad SAW remains fresh in the hearts of every Muslim.
Earlier, Hajiji together with Head of State Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and his wife Toh Puan Norlidah R M Jasni and 12,000 Muslims participated in a 2.4km march from Padang Merdeka to the SICC.
Among those present were State Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim M Yahya, Cabinet Ministers, heads of state and federal departments and a total of 112 contingents.
