Sabah now on the right track: CM
Published on: Monday, April 29, 2024
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor (left) and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (centre) at the National Madani 2024 Aidilfitri celebration at the Sabah International Convention Centre, in Kota Kinabalu April 20, 2024. (Bernama pic)
CHIEF Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the positive economic achievements over the past three years underscore the State Government’s steadfast commitment to both the administration and development of the State.
He said Sabah has achieved several economic successes through its five-year development action plan under the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ).
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“With these achievements, I dare say that Sabah is now on the right track. Several economic indicators have shown positive changes that reflect a better future for Sabah,” he said at the 2024 National-level Madani Aidilfitri celebration at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) in Kota Kinabalu, on Apr 20.
Sabah Head of State Tun Juhar Mahiruddin officiated the event, which was attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Approximately 25,000 people attended the inaugural event, a collaborative effort between the State Government as the host and the Unity Ministry as the organiser.
Hajiji noted that Sabah being chosen as the event’s host was not just an honour, but also a testament to the State’s rich diversity of races, cultures and religions, all thriving together in harmony.
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“We have people from various backgrounds, religions and ethnicities, yet we live together harmoniously. We celebrate all festivals, including Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Christmas, Chinese New Year, Deepavali and Pesta Kaamatan. This is the uniqueness and strength of Sabah,” he said.
He highlighted that the Madani Aidilfitri celebration, attended by various segments of society as well as the nation’s top leaders, further strengthens the bonds of kinship among the people and enhances the spirit of unity.
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“It is in line with the spirit of the Malaysia Madani and the grand agenda of the Unity Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is committed to restoring the country’s glory on the global stage.
“Sabah fully support this struggle for the nation and the prosperity of the people. We in Sabah believe that ethnic harmony is the key to prosperity.
“It also contributes to peace, security and unity. A united society is resilient against negative elements that threaten division,” he said.
The 2024 National-level Madani Aidilfitri celebration marked the beginning of the Unity Journey Expedition in conjunction with the 2024 Unity Week celebration to be held in May.
Sabah is among the seven states selected to host the celebration with the Prime Minister, as well as State-level events scheduled until May covering Johor, Melaka, Kelantan, Kedah and Penang, before concluding in Terengganu.
In his speech, the Prime Minister announced a major upgrade plan to transform Queen Elizabeth Hospital II into the Sabah Heart Centre.
This would make it the second-largest heart centre in the country after the National Heart Institute (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur.
He said preliminary works are scheduled to commence this year.
As Sabah continues to make strides in various sectors, the upcoming Sabah Heart Centre is poised to become a landmark healthcare facility, elevating cardiac treatment standards and providing much-needed relief to patients who previously had to travel out of the State for specialised cardiac care.
Anwar said the hospital would undergo a comprehensive upgrading process based on two key aspects – refurbishing existing spaces as well as infrastructure enhancements covering the Emergency Department, inpatient wards, daycare facilities and installation of new medical equipment.
He said RM80 million has been allocated to fund these upgrading works, create additional healthcare positions and facilitate the rebranding of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital II to the Sabah Heart Centre.
Currently, Queen Elizabeth Hospital II offers adult and paediatric cardiology and cardiothoracic services with facilities including 107 patient beds, specialist clinics, invasive and non-invasive catheterization laboratories, and a cardiothoracic operating theatre.
Anwar acknowledged that current services are inadequate to meet Sabah’s growing healthcare demands, with the bed occupancy rate already reaching 75 per cent.
“To address this, we will be immediately boosting the expertise and support staff at the new Sabah Heart Centre. This includes the addition of three more specialists – one cardiologist, one cardiac surgeon and one cardiac anaesthesiologist, as well as nine trainees,” he said.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the Sabah Heart Centre would play a pivotal role in elevating cardiac care standards for Sabahans, reducing the need for them to seek treatment in other states or abroad.
Anwar also conveyed his appreciation to Hajiji for his dedication to implementing various development initiatives, particularly in tackling hardcore poverty, which remains a key priority for the state government.
“I am confident that under Hajiji’s leadership, the Sabah Government will be able to resolve issues collaboratively with the Federal Government, especially in areas bordering other countries that face encroachment problems,” Anwar said.
He highlighted that this close cooperation between the State and Federal Governments would benefit all Sabahans, further strengthened by Federal allocations.
Anwar also touched on efforts to spur economic opportunities, including the establishment of more than 80 stalls and food outlets in Kuala Lumpur, with plans to replicate similar initiatives in other cities to support local entrepreneurs.
The Prime Minister also advised the public to maintain their health by eating moderately, reducing sugary and fatty foods, and increasing physical activity to prevent heart disease.
Anwar further said that the Federal Government also agrees with the Sarawak Government’s proposal to establish a National Cancer Centre in Kuching.
Some 25,000 visitors attended the event. Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof were also present.
The ceremony was further livened up by the attendance of thousands of people since 8 am, savouring the array of delicious food served and the presentation of cultural performances.
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