Kota Kinabalu: Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun
(pic), said that continuity is essential for Sabah’s development, saying that policy reversals and hasty decisions have stalled infrastructure projects, caused financial losses, and eroded public trust.
“Sabah has never lacked talent or resources. What we lack is the stability that allows institutions to mature, projects to be completed, and reforms to take hold,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
Mandela highlighted the delays in the Pan Borneo Project following the cancellation of the Project Delivery Partner model, which he said caused inefficiencies and extended timelines, ultimately affecting the people.
He also pointed to the previous administration’s termination of nine operators managing water treatment plants across Sabah, which led to RM315 million in compensation and damages. “Public funds that could have improved lives were lost due to decisions that ignored long-term consequences,” he said.
“Continuity matters. Finish what must be finished, protect public funds, and stop making knee-jerk decisions that punish the people,” Mandela urged.
He called on Sabah’s youth, saying the State’s future depends on providing them with stability and opportunity. “You are not asking for special treatment, only a fair chance — decent jobs, relevant skills, affordable mobility, and the confidence to build your future here in Sabah,” he said.
With the launch of Pelan Pembangunan Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 scheduled for Jan 30, Mandela described it as a new beginning for Sabah, marking a move toward a confident, competitive, and respected region within Malaysia.
SMJ 2.0 will focus on four pillars under the theme “Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga” and guided by four pillars — Sabah First means prioritising daily needs and safeguarding the State’s rights; Sabah Forward – preparing for the future economy through skills, digital capacity, and new industries; Sabah Prosper – ensuring progress reaches all through better services, livelihoods, and opportunities and Sabah United – fostering stability, cohesion, and confidence in diversity.
Mandela expressed confidence in the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor, noting that SMJ 2.0 will chart a new chapter for Sabah, rooted in dignity, driven by performance, and united by collective effort.
