KOTA MARUDU: The State Government is currently focused on resolving issues related to water supply, electricity and road infrastructure – all of which Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor believes can be addressed within the next one to two years.
“At Cabinet meetings, these issues are prioritised and we are confident that within one to two years many of these problems can be resolved using the available allocations. Recently, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi handed over Rural Water Supply (BALB) projects worth more than RM4 billion to the State Government for implementation.
“Previously, these were handled by the Federal Government, but they now have confidence in the State Government’s capability and have delegated authority to the Chief Minister. The BALB projects will be implemented by the State Government starting this year,” the Chief Minister said.
He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to continue assisting the people, particularly the poor and underprivileged, while pursuing development.
“There is still much to be done, especially in ensuring that those in need receive assistance.
“The GRS Government will take all necessary steps in this regard. For information, this year alone the Government has agreed to provide aid to 140,000 people in the poor and hardcore poor categories.
“Thousands in Kota Marudu will benefit. This is the effort of the GRS Government, which was not undertaken by previous administrations. We care for the people, especially those at the grassroots.
“While we plan economic growth for the State, we must not neglect those who require assistance, especially our people. That is among the core struggles of the GRS-led Government,” he said.
At the event, the Chief Minister also announced the approval of two development projects in Bandau, each allocated RM500,000, namely the construction of a new mosque in Kampung Tambun and a low-level bridge in Kampung Lamparda.
Meanwhile, close cooperation among leaders of component parties in Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has strengthened the coalition’s position to wrest the Kota Marudu parliamentary seat after the 16th General Election (GE16) expected next year. Hajiji Noor expressed confidence based on the coalition’s hold over the three State constituencies of Tandek, Matunggong and Bandau, which are represented by GRS leaders and supporters.
The GRS Chairman said that although Bandau is held by Independent Assemblyman Datuk Maijol Mahap, he has supported the GRS-led State Government following the 17th State Election (17th SE) last November.
“I am confident of the cooperation among our representatives here, all are with GRS. Even Maijol, although an Independent, is aligned with GRS. I am confident we will win Kota Marudu in the coming parliamentary election. I urge the people not to be swayed by opposition rhetoric, as they cannot deliver anything. GRS is the government now and we still have five years.
“The people must think carefully and support the ruling party. We have implemented various initiatives over the past five years under Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ), which is now continuing into Phase 2.0,” he said.
Hajiji was speaking at a Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house hosted by the Bandau Assemblyman and the Kota Marudu District Office at Astaka Dataran Kota Marudu on Saturday.
Also present was Maijol, who is also the State Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing.
