Don’t forget interest of Bumi community in Sabah: CM
Published on: Monday, March 11, 2024
In this regard, Hajiji hopes whatever resolution is worked out by the congress will also take into account the interests of the Bumiputera community in Sabah.
CHIEF Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor is confident that with the high political commitment and strong support from the Unity Government at the central level, the goal of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) direction to promote the State’s economic growth and boost the economy of the Bumiputera community will be more easily achieved.
He said the SMJ Development Plan, which is determined to empower the agriculture, industrial and tourism sectors, is in line with the three efforts recommended to boost the Bumiputera economy, namely creating a Bumiputera land corporation, creating education, health and wakaf welfare and industrialising agriculture.
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“Similarly, the Six Resolutions for the Transformation of Bumiputera Economic Empowerment that were introduced in the congress, especially the Second and Third Resolutions which are to Close Policy Implementation Leaks and Create Equality Between Regions/Races and Groups, are very timely,” he said at the Bumiputera Economic Congress 2024 at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre in Putrajaya on Mar 2.
In this regard, Hajiji hopes whatever resolution is worked out by the congress will also take into account the interests of the Bumiputera community in Sabah.
“I hope whatever approach is taken to empower Sabah’s Bumiputera economy, it is appropriate that the method or approach be institutionalised under the regulatory control of State Government entities.
“This is to give a mandate to Sabah to coordinate and lead socio-economic development programmes in an efficient, effective and synergistic manner,” he said.
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Hajiji also has high hopes that the national leadership under the Unity Government is truly committed to continuing to defend the fate of the Bumiputeras throughout the country, including Sabah.
“As the second largest State in Malaysia with the number of Bumiputeras reaching up to 90 per cent of the total population, we in Sabah have very high aspirations to enjoy the prosperity and economic progress of the country together with all Malaysians.
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“This not only supports the Bumiputera grassroots economy in Sabah but also lays the foundation for a more inclusive and sustainable development model for the Bumiputera community.
“In other words, economic empowerment, especially for Bumiputeras in Sabah, must go hand in hand with the development of the infrastructure network as the main enabler,” he said.
He said the State Government is committed to closing the gap of poverty that has long engulfed many Bumiputeras in Sabah and is determined to bring changes to the lives of people who are thirsty for protection, especially those who are far inland.
“We no longer want to be left behind. In fact, we always hope that the cake of prosperity can be shared together in one big Malaysian family.
“Let’s not make the South China Sea a divider or an obstacle to progress and common prosperity,” he said.
In this regard, Hajiji said the State Government’s vision is to ensure the economic empowerment of Sabah’s Bumiputera to be institutionalised and achieve recognition of Sabah’s unique identity in the context of Malaysia.
“As we already know, geographical factors are one of the obstacles that can slow down the development process and this is happening in Sabah.
“It not only hinders economic growth and delays the development process, but also limits the economic and social activities of the Bumiputera community, especially in the interior.
“In addition, developing a strong infrastructure network is important for Sabah’s economy, especially in improving the connection between the rural areas and the city centre.
“This not only supports the Bumiputera grassroots economy in Sabah but also lays the foundation for a more inclusive and sustainable development model for the community.
“I firmly believe that empowering the Bumiputera economy in Sabah through the provision of training, quality education, enhancing digital and financial literacy, as well as equipping them with essential skills, alongside basic infrastructure facilities, will enable them to compete nationally, if not globally,” he added.
The closing ceremony of the Bumiputera Economic Congress 2024 was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
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