Sabah Polls: Give GRS New Mandate To Drive SMJ 2.0 For State Development – Hajiji
KOTA KINABALU, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- The people of Sabah have been urged to give their mandate to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) in the upcoming 17th state election, as it will be crucial to ensure the continuity of government efforts in implementing development programmes as well as to sustain and accelerate the state’s progress under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 plan.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said that SMJ 1.0, which began in 2021, had recorded impressive achievements in implementing the various initiatives outlined by the government, whereby results have already been seen and felt by the people.
“Give us a new mandate and we will drive more robust development under the SMJ 2.0 for Sabah. The first phase of SMJ 1.0 (2021–2025) has been successfully implemented, but there is still much more to be done to ensure continued development for the state,” he said in a statement today after launching the Kuala Penyu and Menumbok Sub-District Strategic Development Plan 2025 – 2035 in Menumbok, near Beaufort.
Hajiji who is also GRS chairman urged Sabahans to not be influenced by the rhetoric or speeches of opposition party leaders who often attack the GRS-led government with unfounded accusations, including claims that the government has failed.
Instead, he encouraged the people to focus on the successes achieved by GRS over the past five years in restoring the economy after the COVID-19 pandemic and navigating political instability since taking over the government.
Therefore, Hajiji said, there is no reason not to choose GRS again in the upcoming 17th state election, as much has already been achieved and enjoyed by the people, and these efforts must continue for the sustained benefit of Sabah and its people.
Hajiji reiterated that his administration has achieved what previous governments never did, including attracting a significant number of local and foreign investors due to GRS’s investor-friendly approach, with dozens of domestic and international companies investing in various sectors including tourism, which not only boosts the economy but also creates numerous job opportunities.
“We are helping the poor in villages because when we collect more revenue, we return it to the people. This year, about 100,000 low-income citizens are receiving RM300 per month in assistance. Through the Welfare Department, 70,000 people were assisted including persons with disabilities and senior citizens compared to only 30,000 previously.
“We are also providing SMJ housing. This year, we built 40 SMJ homes, and next year, we will increase this to 50, including 10 for newly married young couples who cannot afford their own house and still living with their parents. This has never been done before,” he said, adding that the education sector has also been prioritised, with allocations reaching RM1.3 billion over the past five years, particularly to support students through scholarship programmes.
At today’s event, Hajiji said the Kuala Penyu and Menumbok Sub-District Strategic Development Plan 2025–2035 is an important document aligned with the SMJ development agenda to ensure balanced progress for the people in both districts.
In the same ceremony, he officiated the opening of Nur Ihsan Mosque Menumbok, which was completed on March 27, with an allocation of RM3.26 million from the Prime Minister’s Department, and expressed appreciation to the Limus Jury Education Foundation, which has assisted 5,350 students in Kuala Penyu and Menumbok through various educational support initiatives.
Hajiji also handed over three native residential land gazettes under Section 78 involving Kampung Mansud (6.268 hectares), Kampung Purun (13.740 hectares) and Kampung Tanjung Aru (24.339 hectares).
-- BERNAMA
