BONGAWAN: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said close cooperation between the State Government and the Federal Government is vital to ensure smooth national administration and to drive Sabah’s development in a comprehensive manner.
“Cooperation with Kuala Lumpur is very important because they govern the country, and this country is ours. While we defend the rights of our State, we must also defend our nation,” he said when speaking at the Chief Minister’s Meet-the-People Session at Bongawan Multipurpose Hall, here, Monday.
Hajiji said nearly half a million Sabah students have benefited from education allocations amounting to RM1.3 billion over the past four years.
He said the figure was the largest compared to previous administrations, made possible through the State Government’s effective governance and increased revenue collection.
“In the education sector, a total of RM1.3 billion has been spent over the past four and a half years to assist around 500,000 Sabah students.
“Previously, the scholarship allocation was only RM40 million to RM50 million a year, but now we have approved RM145 million. This increase is the result of successful administration and improved State revenue,” he said.
Hajiji said State revenue which previously stood at around RM4 billion to RM5 billion annually has now risen to RM7.5 billion, with much of it channelled back to the people through various assistance schemes and development programmes.
The Chief Minister also hit back at opposition claims that the Government’s announcements bring no tangible results to the people.
“Of course they don’t feel it, because the people are the ones benefiting. While not everyone can be helped, the majority have received assistance.
“It would be a loss if Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) were not given the mandate to win. We must stay united to shape Sabah’s future and not be deceived by the opposition’s rhetoric,” he said.
He described the opposition’s political style as full of empty talk.
“They speak fiery words like street hawkers selling medicine, pacing back and forth, but the medicine can’t cure the people’s pain or solve their real problems,” he quipped.
At the same event, Hajiji, who is also the Chairman of GRS, announced Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS) President Tan Sri Anifah Aman as the coalition’s candidate for the Bongawan state seat in the coming state election.
“With a strong GRS machinery, committed component parties and united public support, I am confident Bongawan belongs to GRS, and we will win,” he said.
He expressed hope that the Bongawan constituency, currently held by the opposition, would return to the Government’s fold so that the area could be further developed, in line with the slogan “Bongawan Maju” (Progressive Bongawan).
Hajiji also voiced confidence that GRS will be able to form the government again after the state election on Nov 29.
He said political stability in Sabah hinges on unity among the people and strong support for the State Government in the upcoming polls.
“If we return to form the Government, even more economic programmes will be planned for the people over the next five years,” he said.
He reminded the people not to be swayed by the opposition’s propaganda, lies and deceit aimed at undermining public confidence in the Government.
