Kota Kinabalu: Stronger collaboration between the Federal and Sabah governments is crucial to delivering quality, resilient and sustainable infrastructure, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam said.
Speaking at the opening of the Malaysia Public Works Strategic Collaboration Programme 2026 on Sunday, Joachim, who is also Sabah Works and Utilities Minister, said close cooperation built on mutual trust, complementary expertise and shared responsibility would strengthen the country’s ability to plan, implement and maintain infrastructure that benefits the people.
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He said the presence of Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi and senior leaders from the national public works sector reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with the State Government in advancing the national development agenda.
“As a State Government, we highly value the close relationship that continues to be fostered with the Federal Government and all strategic partners.
“It is through cooperation founded on mutual trust, complementing one another and sharing expertise that we will strengthen our capacity to plan, implement and maintain quality, resilient infrastructure that provides lasting benefits to the people,” he said.
Joachim said the three-day programme demonstrated the commitment of the Federal Government, State governments, technical agencies, professional bodies and industry players to further strengthen synergy in the public works sector.
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He stressed that infrastructure development today extends beyond roads, bridges and buildings, describing it as a catalyst for economic growth, improved competitiveness, community well-being and more efficient public service delivery.
He said every infrastructure investment must be supported by strategic planning, quality implementation and efficient, sustainable asset management, while ensuring transparency, prudent use of resources and continuous improvement to deliver the best value for the rakyat.
Highlighting Sabah’s unique development landscape, Joachim said the State’s vast geographical area, diverse terrain, extensive rural regions and scattered settlements require a more strategic, integrated and responsive approach to infrastructure planning.
He said stronger Federal-State collaboration should go beyond project implementation to include policy coordination, knowledge sharing, human capital development, technology adoption and improved governance to enhance service delivery.
Joachim also welcomed a declaration made during the programme, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening Federal-State cooperation through a more modern, integrated and sustainable road asset management system.
He expressed hope that the initiative would spur wider collaboration in digitalisation, data sharing and public asset management innovation to improve the efficiency, responsiveness and quality of services delivered by the public works sector.
Joachim urged participants to ensure that discussions and ideas generated during the programme are translated into practical improvements rather than remaining as academic discourse.
“The true value of strategic collaboration lies not merely in coming together to discuss issues, but in returning with the commitment to implement meaningful improvements,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to all parties involved in organising the programme and hoped it would serve as a catalyst for stronger Federal-State cooperation in providing quality, safe and sustainable infrastructure for the well-being of the people and the nation’s continued development.
