KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman yesterday said that it is his wish to see the continued growth of Sabah and for all Malaysians in the state to lead more comfortable lives in the coming New Year.
In his 2013 New Year message yesterday, Musa said it was his hope that peace and harmony would prevail in Sabah and in Malaysia so that we can collectively enjoy our progress.
He also mentioned that the introduction of timely and appropriate government-led initiatives was starting to bear fruit.
“Sabah is actively participating in the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) and the Government Transformation Programme (GTP) which has entered its second phase,” he said.
He added that with the focus on key sectors such as oil and gas, palm oil and tourism, Sabah was on track towards achieving meaningful growth for our people and that the government truly understood the need to create balanced development without sacrificing ecosystems, biodiversity and cultures, and for this reason, the government has carried out open days for the public to provide feedback to the ETP and GTP.
“Additionally, as a government that cares, we constantly listen to issues that are raised, and we always strive our best to accommodate the needs of all stakeholders,” he said.
“We are working hard to bridge development gaps and the rural-urban divide, and we remain steadfast in our quest to reduce poverty. We also continue to strengthen infrastructure so that the people can enjoy better quality of life, and this includes the critical aspects of education, healthcare and basic necessities such as clean water and electricity.”
He also said that the government has been actively implementing programmes under the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) blueprint, which outlined in detailed steps that Sabah was taking until 2025 to become a leading growth centre in the region.
“There is steady growth in tourism, one of the key drivers of the SDC, along with agriculture and manufacturing,” he said.
He attributed the achievement of the State to the committed people entrusted with the task of carrying out important projects and support of the private sector and other stakeholders.
In tandem with this, he is also putting forth his request that civil servants understand their roles and continuously work towards meeting the expectations of the public.
“Social media is today used to air grouses, and I do not wish to hear of public servants not delivering what they are tasked with. The public demands that funding is spent prudently, and that programmes reach the intended target groups.”
Musa then touched on the 2013 budget and said that in providing only the best for Malaysians in Sabah, the State Government had also unveiled a budget of RM4.088 billion for 2013.
“The budget takes into consideration the needs and well-being of the people, and will bring development in Sabah to the next level. This budget is reflective of how well we are managing the State and our continued emphasis on programmes that benefit the people. Our budget is designed with the needs of the people in mind, and I am confident that we will soon start to see the positive spin-offs from what we have allocated to the various ministries and initiatives.” Musa, in his New Year greeting also stressed on the need for all to remain united and to work together in creating progress.
He said the Barisan Nasional government was one that truly has the best interests of the people in mind, and that it would continue to always put people first, as pledged through 1Malaysia.
“Attacks by the opposition are centred on wrong information and are aimed to confuse the public with lies. The opposition is fond of spinning stories that create distrust among the people against the government of the day and is good at making empty promises in order to garner support,” he said.
He then reminded elected representatives from the Barisan Nasional to actively meet with the people and provide them with correct information, and to go the extra mile in solving issues that their constituents were facing.
“It is pertinent that we maintain political stability, an important factor in drawing investments to our shores,” he said.
At the end of his message, Musa added that on behalf of his family and his colleagues in the Sabah State Government, he was taking the opportunity to wish all Malaysians a prosperous and Happy New Year 2013.
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