Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor expressed his displeasure with certain parties who mock the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) slogan either through writings or comments on social media.
He said the slogan is a simple phrase with a big message inviting everyone in the State to be inclined towards progress and success.
He explained that the SMJ acronym was chosen as the State’s development direction as the Government wanted to elevate the slogan on the state emblem to a higher position.
“Our intention and desire is to raise the ‘Sabah Maju Jaya’ slogan on the state emblem, which is always seen and read by us, but there are many who belittle it and look down on the noble cause we are fighting for.
“To me, making fun of and mocking the ‘Sabah Maju Jaya’ slogan is the same as disrespecting, or not loving, even insulting one’s State,” he said at the 2024 State and Federal Public Service Staff Address and Assembly at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), here, Monday.
Hajiji said other states, including neighbouring Indonesia, also have slogans.
“For example, Sarawak introduced the slogan ‘Sarawak Maju Makmur’ to boost the State’s progress. Selangor used ‘Kita Selangor Maju Bersama’.
“Terengganu uses ‘Terengganu Maju, Berkat, Sejahtera’. Melaka introduced the slogan ‘Bijak Laksana Tuah, Berani Laksana Jebat’, while Kedah used ‘Kedah Sejahtera – Nikmat Untuk Semua’.
“Indonesia raised the slogan ‘Terus Melaju Untuk Indonesia Maju’.
“We need to be determined to excel and work diligently, especially as members of the public service committed and responsible to make Sabah and the people more developed.
“Whatever the issues and challenges that lie ahead, we must face them together with perseverance and wisdom.
“Do not be easily influenced by the provocations of irresponsible parties who only want to see us continue to clash.
“We need to focus fully on efforts to make Sabah more progressive and successful,” he said.
