KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will launch the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 Development Plan this Friday (Jan 30), marking a shift from stabilisation to transformation, with emphasis on continuity, delivery and Sabah-first priorities.
Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun said SMJ 2.0 aims to turn stability into results, after earlier policy reversals had cost the state time and money.
“When politics changes, priorities shift. Some leaders try to wash their hands, but Sabahans remember the cost.
“The rakyat paid for the delays to the Pan Borneo Highway and RM315 million in compensation paid after the unlawful termination of nine water treatment plant operators.
“It was money that could have built more than 3,000 Rumah Mesra SMJ units for the hardcore poor,” he said.
He said SMJ 1.0 focused on restoring confidence and fiscal discipline, while SMJ 2.0 will drive transformation under the principle of Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga, guided by four pillars: Sabah First, Sabah Forward, Sabah Prosper and Sabah United.
“Stability is not the end goal, but it is the platform for results. SMJ 2.0 is about turning stability into momentum and momentum into delivery.
“Youths deserve fair opportunities, decent jobs and relevant skills to build their future in Sabah,” he said.
The plan, he said, will prioritise basic services, future-ready skills, new industries and unity to ensure development is felt by the people and shaped by Sabahans for Sabah’s long-term future.
