Kota Kinabalu: THE State Government on Monday reaffirmed its full support for the development direction of City Hall (DBKK).
Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, the Minister in charge of DBKK, said the focus remains on good governance, balanced development and people-centred policies aligned with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) framework.
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Officiating the 26th anniversary celebration of Kota Kinabalu City at the City Hall building compound, Monday, he said:
“The celebration reflects the progress of Kota Kinabalu’s development and its future direction, which is being driven in a strategic, systematic and visionary manner.”
According to him, the leadership, commitment and dedication demonstrated in administering the city reflect an increasingly progressive and professional approach that prioritises the needs and wellbeing of the people.
Joniston said the State Government fully supports the development plans outlined by the city authority under the leadership of the Mayor.
He noted that the emphasis on efficient governance, administrative integrity and sustainable development is in line with the State’s aspirations under SMJ.
He also stressed the importance of the public service as a key strategic partner in implementing government policies.
He added that while governments and policies may change, the public service must remain professional, principled and people-oriented.
In this regard, he said DBKK plays a significant role as the main local authority at the frontline of policy implementation, translating State policies into concrete action at the city level.
Joniston said Kota Kinabalu holds a strategic position in Sabah’s overall development framework, with developments in the city directly affecting investor confidence, visitor experience, quality of life and Sabah’s image at both national and international levels.
“Therefore, the development of Kota Kinabalu cannot be viewed in isolation but must be aligned with the broader State development agenda,” he said.
He said the SMJ direction is anchored on three main pillars: economic growth through key sectors such as industry, tourism and agriculture; human capital development and people’s well-being; and infrastructure development with an emphasis on green sustainability.
These pillars, he said, are aligned with DBKK’s vision and mission, particularly through Smart City initiatives, efforts to improve service delivery efficiency, environmental sustainability, beautification of public spaces and the promotion of social harmony.
Joniston added that the State Government would continue to support DBKK through policy alignment, institutional support, inter-agency cooperation, as well as engagement with the private sector and local communities to ensure the effective implementation of development plans.
He expressed confidence that with strong alignment between the SMJ framework and DBKK’s initiatives, supported by a professional and forward-looking public service, Kota Kinabalu would continue to grow as a resilient and progressive city and serve as a model of urban governance in Sabah.
