Hajiji Wants SMJ Fellowship Programme To Groom People-oriented Leaders

KOTA KINABALU, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor wants the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) fellowship programme to shape people-oriented young leaders who can directly contribute to the state’s development.

He said the programme, introduced by the Sabah government, has paved the way for Sabah youths to grow and play a role in the state’s development ecosystem.

“The SMJ fellowship programme is an important platform not only to build experience but also to develop character, integrity, and exemplary leadership qualities,” he said in his speech at the presentation ceremony of letters of appointment to 42 participants of the SMJ Fellows 4.0 programme, at Menara Kinabalu here today.

Hajiji said the programme is in line with the state government’s commitment under the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan framework, which places human capital development as the core driver in building a sustainable and competitive future for the state.

“We do not only want to produce leaders who excel in knowledge and skills, more importantly, we want to develop people-oriented leaders who understand the heartbeat of the community, who bring the people’s voices to the policymaking table, and uphold their love for the state above self-interest,” he said.

Hajiji also called on the SMJ fellows to make full use of the opportunity to understand the real workings of the state government, including how policies are formulated, decisions are made, and how government machinery operates for the benefit of the people.

“Use the fellowship period as a platform to build discipline, empathy, vision, and courage, with integrity as your core,” he said, adding that Sabah’s youths are not merely successors but vital assets and heirs to the future, who are being shaped today.

At the same time, he also commended government-linked companies (GLCs) participating in the SMJ fellowship programme for their continued commitment and support in developing human capital in Sabah.

A total of 20 GLCs are taking part in the SMJ fellowship programme this year, up from 10 previously, reflecting the strong partnership between the state Government and GLCs in nurturing Sabah’s future leaders.

-- BERNAMA