Sabah’s State Finance Minister, Masidi Manjun, recently spoke about the unique aspect of Sabah that sets it apart from the rest of Malaysia. According to Masidi, Sabah is a reflection of the original idea of Malaysia where people of different races and religions are united.
Masidi emphasized that race and religion do not divide Sabahans, and that many families in Sabah, including his own, have members of different faiths. This diversity is celebrated and serves as a unifying factor for the state.
Sabah is located on the northern portion of the island of Borneo and is the second-largest state in Malaysia. It is home to a diverse population, including indigenous groups such as the Kadazan-Dusun, Murut, and Bajau, as well as other ethnic groups such as the Chinese and Indian communities. This diversity is reflected in Sabah’s culture, language, and traditions.
Sabah’s unique multiculturalism is a result of its history as a British colony and its location as a trading hub. The state has a long history of welcoming immigrants and traders from different parts of the world, which has resulted in a diverse population that has learned to live together in harmony.
However, Masidi noted that the idea of uniting everyone in Malaysia is no easy feat outside of Sabah or Sarawak. The peninsula, which makes up the majority of Malaysia’s landmass, has a more homogenous population, with the Malay community being the dominant ethnic group.
Despite the challenges, Masidi believes that Sabah’s diversity and tolerance are important for the country to prosper. He emphasized the importance of meritocracy, where the best worker earns what he or she deserves, regardless of race or religion. This, he said, is what makes a good government.
Sabah’s economy is strengthened by ensuring equal opportunities for all, regardless of their background. This has led to a thriving business community in Sabah, with many successful entrepreneurs coming from different ethnic backgrounds.
However, Sabah is not without its challenges. The state faces issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. Masidi acknowledged these challenges and said that the government is working to address them.
The state government has implemented various policies and programs to reduce poverty and improve the lives of Sabahans. One such program is the Sabah State Poverty Eradication Blueprint, which aims to reduce poverty in the state to 1% by 2030.
Masidi also spoke about the importance of protecting Sabah’s natural resources, which are crucial to the state’s economy and the livelihoods of its people. Sabah is home to many unique and endangered species, including the Borneo pygmy elephant and the orangutan. The state government has implemented various measures to protect these species and their habitats.
In conclusion, Sabah’s unique multiculturalism and tolerance are what make it a special state in Malaysia. Masidi’s words reflect the pride that Sabahans have for their state and its people. While there are challenges that need to be addressed, Sabah’s diversity is a source of strength and resilience, and it is what sets the state apart from the rest of Malaysia.
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