MENUMBOK: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor has urged the people of Sabah to renew their mandate for Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) in the upcoming 17th State Election to ensure continuity and stronger momentum under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 Development Plan.
He said the new mandate is vital for sustaining the state’s economic recovery and advancing the development programmes initiated during SMJ 1.0 (2021–2025), which has already delivered visible progress in multiple sectors.
“Give us a new mandate, and we will drive even more robust development under SMJ 2.0. The first phase of SMJ 1.0 has been successfully implemented, but there is still much more to be done,” Hajiji said.
The Chief Minister was speaking at the launch of the Kuala Penyu and Menumbok Sub-District Strategic Development Plan 2025–2035, where he also officiated several key handover ceremonies, including SMJ housing units, native land gazettes, and the opening of Masjid Nur Ihsan Menumbok.
Hajiji, who is also GRS Chairman, called on the people not to be swayed by opposition rhetoric and baseless accusations, urging them instead to judge GRS by its track record of stability and delivery.
“Those who accuse us of failure had their chance when they were in power. They left behind unresolved issues — water shortages, power supply, and incomplete rural roads. We are fixing what they neglected,” he said.
He added that Sabah’s transformation over the past five years has been driven by sound economic management, investor confidence, and people-focused policies.
Under Hajiji’s leadership, Sabah’s state revenue reached nearly RM7 billion in 2024, while total investments hit RM11.37 billion between January and June 2025. The government, he said, is committed to ensuring that this growth translates into direct benefits for the people.
Among the initiatives highlighted:
SMJ Cash Assistance Scheme: 100,000 low-income Sabahans receiving RM300 monthly aid.
Welfare Aid Expansion: 70,000 beneficiaries, including senior citizens and persons with disabilities (up from 30,000 previously).
SMJ Housing Initiative: 40 new homes built this year, with 50 more planned next year — including 10 units for newly married couples.
Education Support: RM1.3 billion allocated over the last five years for scholarships and student aid.
Hajiji also noted that SMJ 2.0 will continue focusing on economic inclusivity, infrastructure upgrades, and human capital development.
“We want a government that works for the people, not one that only makes promises. Stability and progress must continue for Sabah’s long-term benefit,” he said.
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