Kota Kinabalu: Sabah is anticipating a positive outcome from the upcoming meeting of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) Implementation Action Council Technical Committee (JKTPA-MA63), said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said the meeting on Monday would cover a wide range of matters, all aimed at ensuring benefits for the State.
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“The meeting will discuss many things, but it is indeed for a positive outcome.
“This is what I always do whenever I'm in Kuala Lumpur — I meet with the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Ministers and Ministers to discuss the rights of the people of Sabah,” he said after opening a bank at Plaza Kolombong, near here.
Last week, State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun had said that Hajiji had sent two letters to the relevant authorities, both as a reminder and an offer for Sabah to host the next JKTPA-MA63 meeting.
The committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, has to discuss MA63-related demands before they can be presented to the Federal Cabinet for policy decisions. The last meeting was held on May 28.
Earlier, Hajiji said the State Government is committed to shaping a modern, competitive and inclusive economy for Sabah through the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan.
“Under our Hala Tuju SMJ development plan, we are clear in our direction. Our SMJ roadmap aims to shape an economy that is modern, competitive and inclusive, one that uplifts every community, both rural and urban.
“It was crafted to serve as the overarching framework for various sectoral development blueprints.
“Our commitment to Sabah's future is reflected in the Plan, resting on three foundational pillars – first, Agriculture, Industry and Tourism, second, Investing in our people and third, Enhancing Connectivity with a Green Approach.
“We are not simply building an economy, we are building a shared future, where the benefits of progress are felt across every district, including here in Inanam,” he said.
The Chief Minister said no economy can thrive without financial inclusion.
“A strong, accessible and inclusive banking system is essential to unlock the full potential of our people and businesses. In Sabah, 98 per cent of all businesses are SMEs, the engine of local enterprise and employment.
“But many of these businesses still face real barriers: limited access to credit, lack of digital readiness and difficulty in navigating changing markets,” he said, adding banks can help close this gap, through targeted financing for sectors such as agriculture and eco-tourism, mentoring and advisory support, dedicated financing for women entrepreneurs and financial literacy programmes that prepare Sabahans, especially youths, for the demands of today's economy.
“We believe that every Sabahan should be empowered with the financial tools and support to grow, save, build and contribute to our economy.
“We recognise that meaningful development must begin with access to capital, financial services and the tools that enable entrepreneurship and upward mobility.
“For our rural communities, small businesses and youth stepping into the digital economy, it must enable progress and unlock potential,” he said.
