KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said Sabah’s strength lies in its unity among diverse races and religions, calling it a unique identity to be preserved for future generations.
“Unity in diversity is our true strength, not a weakness. It is a legacy we must safeguard,” he said at the launch of National and Sabah Day, and the 2025 Flag Waiving Campaign on Friday.
He urged all citizens to promote understanding in schools, workplaces, places of worship, and online, rather than creating division.
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');});On development, Hajiji said the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 1.0 Roadmap has achieved a 94pc implementation rate of its 467 initiatives as of May 2025, focusing on agriculture, industry, tourism, human capital, welfare, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.
He highlighted efforts such as increased educational access and the introduction of the Sabah People's Protection Insurance Scheme.
Hajiji also called on the public to fly the Jalur Gemilang as a symbol of unity and patriotism.
“This is not just about celebrating independence from colonisation, but also from poverty and division,” he said, adding that the August celebrations honour the sacrifices of past generations.