Kota Kinabalu: Two prominent business leaders lauded the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-PH government under Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor for maintaining political stability and driving inclusive economic development in the State.
Chief Executive Officer of Kumpulan BTC Berhad Datuk Abdul Kadir M.E. Sikkandar, said the current administration has created a conducive environment for business growth and investor confidence.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to transparency, inclusiveness and people-centric development, stating that Sabah today stands on a strong foundation.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});“With continued leadership under Hajiji I am confident Sabah will scale even greater heights.
“Political uncertainty continues to challenge other parts of the country, but Sabah has emerged as a model of calm, unity and steady progress,” he said.
Abdul Kadir said Kumpulan BTC Berhad, a homegrown company, has grown significantly under the current administration and now employs over 800 Sabahans across various sectors. He attributed the expansion to the state’s stable political climate and pro-business policies under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan.
“The SMJ Plan has reenergised key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, infrastructure and renewable energy.
“While also opening up opportunities for local and Bumiputera entrepreneurs to thrive,” he said.
Abdul Kadir who is also the Deputy President of the Dewan Usahawan Melayu Sabah observed a renewed sense of optimism among local entrepreneurs, especially younger Sabahans exploring opportunities in business, agriculture and innovation within the State.
Meanwhile, prominent businessman Tan Sri TC Goh said the GRS government’s economic stewardship has yielded remarkable results.
“The result exceeded expectations and solidifying its position as a capable administrator,” said the Sabah Advisory Council (SEAC) member.
“The Government’s success is underscored by a dramatic increase in state revenue: nearly RM7 billion annually for 2022, 2023, and 2024 – a significant leap from RM3.5 billion in 2020,” Goh said.
This growth, Goh said, mirrored a robust rise in Sabah’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), climbing from RM83.2 billion in 2023 to RM84.3 billion in 2024, coupled with a substantial increase in state reserves to RM8.6 billion.
He said these figures demonstrate a healthy and thriving economy, directly attributable to the GRS government’s effective management.
“This economic growth translates into higher income and employment rates, ultimately improving the standard of living for Sabahans…Furthermore, the stability fostered by the GRS government has boosted investor confidence, creating a positive feedback loop for continued economic expansion.”
