Kota Kinabalu: The Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCCI) and Sabah United Chinese Chambers of Commerce (SUCCC) voiced strong support for the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 development plan, describing it as a vital blueprint to enhance the State’s competitiveness.
The chambers said the SMJ 2.0, which encompasses economic transformation, human capital development, infra-structure expansion and sustainability, is crucial in positioning Sabah for long-term growth.
However, success of the plan hinges on effective implementation and the elimination of bureaucratic red tape within the government delivery system.
“We call on the government to ensure smooth execution of SMJ 2.0 initiatives without unnecessary delays that could hinder business operations and investor confidence,” said Datuk Michael Lui Yen Sang in his Lunar New Year message.
Michael who heads both chambers also thanked Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor’s approval of 9,975.7 sq m (about 1 hectare) educational land located in the parking lot and surrounding open space of SJK(C) Chung Hwa Likas to KKCCCI.
“It is a great Chinese New Year gift,” said Lui.
“After years of persistence, we finally succeeded in obtaining the relevant land title presented through Director of the Land and Survey Datuk Bernard Liew.”
He said it is not only a milestone for Chinese education but also a recognition of the Chinese community’s contributions.
“We will continue to actively seek rightful support and allocations for Chinese schools, ensuring fairness and progress in education,” he said.
Michael also urged the State to further improve the business environment by attracting quality foreign direct investment while continuing to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in their upgrading efforts.
At the same time, he called for stricter regulation of commercial activities involving visa-free visitors to safeguard the interests of local enterprises.
He said balanced and well-enforced policies are essential to ensure that local businesses remain competitive while Sabah continues to welcome legitimate investments that contribute to the state’s economic progress.
“SUCCC and KKCCCI will continue to serve as a bridge, working hand in hand with the government to promote balanced urban and rural development.
“We advocate the introduction of international expertise and encourage the return of overseas Sabah talents, so that together we may shape a modern, competitive and vibrant Sabah,” he said.
On education, Michael said Chinese education remains the pride and foundation of the Chinese community.
He said the kindergartens, primary schools and secondary school under the KKCCCI will continue to uphold the spirit of their forefathers, fulfilling the mission of “inheritance of past values and innovation among young Chinese communities”.
Michael called on all sectors to pursue cooperation for mutual benefit, support the State Government to ensure political stability, which is crucial for sustained economic growth and development in Sabah.
In the past year, he said Sabah faced both opportunities and challenges in the political, economic and social spheres.
“Although the Sabah State Election concluded only recently and the Cabinet includes just one Chinese representative, we remain confident that under the leadership of Hajiji, the government will continue to uphold the principle of unity in diversity, ensuring fairness and harmony for all communities.
“We are encouraged by the government’s ongoing commitment to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), reaffirmed that Sabah First remains the guiding principle of the state policy, ensuring the people’s interests are prioritised, state revenues are managed responsibly, and economic opportunities are expanded fairly for all.
“As we embark on this new year, let us join hands with determination to support the implementation of ‘SMJ 2.0’. Together we can open a new chapter of prosperity for Sabah. May our State enjoy good governance, flourishing opportunities and enduring harmony,” Michael said.
