Kota Kinabalu: Implementation of the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan over the past five years has proven the State Government’s capability in reviving the economy, strengthening development and safeguarding the people’s wellbeing despite various challenges.
Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the people’s mandate since September 2020 had been fully utilised through the execution of a comprehensive development agenda, dispelling the notion that Hala Tuju SMJ was merely a slogan without substance.
“All the promises and plans under the Hala Tuju SMJ agenda have been widely implemented. Despite criticisms and accusations, this Government leadership has remained steadfast in fulfilling the mandate entrusted by the people,” he said at the Sabah Day 2025 celebration at Padang Merdeka, on Sunday.
The Chief Minister said when his administration took over in September 2020, the State was facing the worst economic crisis in its history. However, through the Hala Tuju SMJ 1.0 policy, the Government succeeded in restoring stability and raising the State’s economic performance to commendable levels.
“Sabah has now emerged as a rapidly developing State with a steadily expanding economy. From once depending solely on natural resources, we have now diversified into tourism, plantations, forestry and petroleum as major economic contributors.
“This achievement is the result of joint efforts between the Government and the people, along with the support of the private sector which never gave up despite global challenges,” he said.
According to Hajiji, the Hala Tuju SMJ policy is a long-term strategic plan encompassing human capital development, more effective natural resource management and administrative efficiency.
He said during his five years in leadership, numerous significant milestones had been achieved, including sharp increases in investments and State revenue, as well as the strengthening of government administrative structures.
Hajiji also stressed that the State Government places strong emphasis on human capital development, particularly in education and youth.
“Over RM1.3 billion has been allocated from 2021 to 2024 for education and youth development. This investment is to ensure that Sabah’s younger generation is equipped with knowledge, skills and competitiveness to face future challenges,” he said.
In the context of Sabah Day, Hajiji said this historic date symbolises the spirit of the people in seeking freedom from colonial rule and building a sovereign State.
“This year’s Sabah Day theme, Untukmu Sabah Tanah Airku (For You, My Homeland Sabah), carries a profound meaning that the future of the State lies in our own hands. Therefore, let us work together to ensure Sabah continues to progress, prosper and remain united,” he said.
He said the celebration was not merely a platform to recall the past, but also a time to appreciate current achievements while planning for a brighter future.
“The younger generation in particular must understand the meaning of independence, appreciate the sacrifices of our forebears and be prepared to shoulder the responsibility as heirs of the State,” he said.
Hajiji also urged the people of Sabah to continue safeguarding the harmony and peace enjoyed all this while, while working together to build a more prosperous and inclusive State.
The event was officiated by Head of State Tun Musa Aman and his wife, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin.
Also present were State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim M Yahya, Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and Datuk Ir Shahelmey Yahya, Cabinet Ministers, Assistant Ministers and State Secretary Datuk Seri Sr Safar Untong.
Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the people’s mandate since September 2020 had been fully utilised through the execution of a comprehensive development agenda, dispelling the notion that Hala Tuju SMJ was merely a slogan without substance.
“All the promises and plans under the Hala Tuju SMJ agenda have been widely implemented. Despite criticisms and accusations, this Government leadership has remained steadfast in fulfilling the mandate entrusted by the people,” he said at the Sabah Day 2025 celebration at Padang Merdeka, on Sunday.
The Chief Minister said when his administration took over in September 2020, the State was facing the worst economic crisis in its history. However, through the Hala Tuju SMJ 1.0 policy, the Government succeeded in restoring stability and raising the State’s economic performance to commendable levels.
“Sabah has now emerged as a rapidly developing State with a steadily expanding economy. From once depending solely on natural resources, we have now diversified into tourism, plantations, forestry and petroleum as major economic contributors.
“This achievement is the result of joint efforts between the Government and the people, along with the support of the private sector which never gave up despite global challenges,” he said.
According to Hajiji, the Hala Tuju SMJ policy is a long-term strategic plan encompassing human capital development, more effective natural resource management and administrative efficiency.
He said during his five years in leadership, numerous significant milestones had been achieved, including sharp increases in investments and State revenue, as well as the strengthening of government administrative structures.
Hajiji also stressed that the State Government places strong emphasis on human capital development, particularly in education and youth.
“Over RM1.3 billion has been allocated from 2021 to 2024 for education and youth development. This investment is to ensure that Sabah’s younger generation is equipped with knowledge, skills and competitiveness to face future challenges,” he said.
In the context of Sabah Day, Hajiji said this historic date symbolises the spirit of the people in seeking freedom from colonial rule and building a sovereign State.
“This year’s Sabah Day theme, Untukmu Sabah Tanah Airku (For You, My Homeland Sabah), carries a profound meaning that the future of the State lies in our own hands. Therefore, let us work together to ensure Sabah continues to progress, prosper and remain united,” he said.
He said the celebration was not merely a platform to recall the past, but also a time to appreciate current achievements while planning for a brighter future.
“The younger generation in particular must understand the meaning of independence, appreciate the sacrifices of our forebears and be prepared to shoulder the responsibility as heirs of the State,” he said.
Hajiji also urged the people of Sabah to continue safeguarding the harmony and peace enjoyed all this while, while working together to build a more prosperous and inclusive State.
The event was officiated by Head of State Tun Musa Aman and his wife, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin.
Also present were State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim M Yahya, Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and Datuk Ir Shahelmey Yahya, Cabinet Ministers, Assistant Ministers and State Secretary Datuk Seri Sr Safar Untong.