KALABAKAN: The people of Kalabakan have been urged not to be easily swayed by the negative propaganda spread by the opposition, whose sole purpose is to incite hatred towards leaders and the Government.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the Government has introduced various initiatives to bring development and progress to the State, but there will always be those who deny such efforts.
“We may listen, but we should not believe the negative propaganda and slander, which are part and parcel of opposition politics,” he said when officiating the Kalabakan Laju Untuk Maju event at Kalabakan District Office open hall, Monday.
His speech was read by Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib.
The Chief Minister said the opposition has been using various tactics to attract public attention, especially with the State election drawing near, adding the opposition parties have become increasingly active in inciting the people to despise the Government.
He noted that there are still many development projects to be implemented in Kalabakan and these require the continued support of the people to ensure that all plans can be successfully realised.
According to him, the 17th State Election will be crucial as it will determine the continuity of Sabah’s development under Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
He stressed that the State Government has proven its capability in various fields and therefore urged the people to make the best choice to ensure continuity of development, political stability and public wellbeing, most importantly under a government dominated by local parties.
Since being entrusted to lead Sabah, he said, much focus has been placed on economic growth through agriculture, industry and tourism, alongside human capital development, people’s wellbeing, infrastructure networks and environmental sustainability.
“This is embodied in the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan, an inclusive and comprehensive roadmap that has successfully driven significant progress in Sabah,” he said.
He added that numerous infrastructure projects are currently being implemented, including upgrading major and rural roads, as well as improving water supply and electricity coverage to ensure Kalabakan is not left behind in the wave of progress.
In the education sector, he said, the State Government continues to work closely with the Education Ministry (MoE) to ensure schools in Kalabakan are equipped with modern and conducive facilities.
Following Indonesia’s announcement to relocate its capital to Kalimantan, known as Nusantara, Hajiji said the State Government wasted no time in planning and exploring new opportunities arising from the move.
Several strategies and action plans have already been identified and will bring benefits to Sabah and Kalabakan, which is located close to Kalimantan, he added.
“One of the initiatives currently being pursued is the proposed construction of a road linking Simanggaris (Kalimantan) and Serudong (Kalabakan). Once completed, this road will have major implications for the socioeconomic development of Kalabakan and Sabah as a whole,” he said.
The event also saw the presentation of village gazette land titles, Native Land Services Programme (Pantas) land titles (lots), Rumah Mesra Sabah Maju Jaya home units and Outstanding Student Awards to recognise academic excellence.