Equitable development ensures no ethnic group is marginalised

24 August 2024

KOTA KINABALU: The state government is committed to ensuring equitable development, guaranteeing that no ethnic group is marginalised, including cultural aspects.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor emphasized that this commitment reflects the government's dedication to practicing tolerance and moderation in all policies.

He encourages every ethnic group, including the Chinese community in Sabah, to continue nurturing and advancing their unique cultures.

He also mentioned that the government has allocated a total of RM56.75 million for non-Islamic religious bodies, missionaries, national-type schools, and private schools in Sabah this year.

'This allocation is an increase of RM2.7 million compared to RM54.05 million last year. This increase in allocation shows that the state government is very attentive and serious in assisting the community in Sabah regardless of race, ethnicity, and religion,' he said.

He said this at the 30th Anniversary Celebration Dinner and the Swearing-In Ceremony of the 14th Central Committee of the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) at the Hakka Hall, Teluk Likas, on Friday.

The speech text was read by the State Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe.

He stated that for a long time, FCAS has played an important role in assisting the government in improving the economy of the state and hopes that the unity and close cooperation within FCAS will be translated into support for the government in further enhancing development in Sabah.

“I want this role to continue to support the government's efforts, especially in implementing various initiatives under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan. With the influence, expertise, and extensive network of FCAS, I am confident that this federation will benefit all government initiatives and play a role in helping the state, particularly in attracting more investors to come to this state,” he said.

Hajiji congratulated FCAS on its 30th anniversary for the initiative to purchase a four-story building in Kg Air, Kota Kinabalu, as the FCAS headquarters.

“It is timely for FCAS to have its own building in the City of Kota Kinabalu. The FCAS headquarters symbolizes the unity and cooperation among all Chinese associations and all Chinese communities in Sabah and WP Labuan.

“Thirty years is quite a long time, and it is not easy for an organisation to be managed well and smoothly. Congratulations to FCAS and happy 30th birthday,” he said.

Hajiji is confident that the collaboration between Tan Sri Dr. TC Goh and Datuk Susan Wong, who have been elected again to lead FCAS for the 14th term, will contribute even more to the Chinese community and ensure a close and good relationship with the state government.