Kota kinabalu: The Sabah Government under the leadership of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is placing a significant emphasis on good governance and integrity, viewing these as the foundational pillars of the state’s administration. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor emphasized that these elements are essential for ensuring that Sabah stays on a sustainable path toward progress and development.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chief Minister Hajiji Noor stated that this focus on integrity and governance is in alignment with the priorities set by the Federal Government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister has consistently highlighted the importance of sound governance in achieving effective administration.
During a recent exclusive interview with Bernama at his official residence in Sri Gaya, Hajiji expressed, “Yes, the Sabah Government I lead prioritizes integrity and good governance, in line with what the Federal Government emphasizes. We must embrace and follow this approach if we want to move forward. We cannot keep thinking in outdated ways.”
Addressing allegations of corruption within his administration, Hajiji firmly dismissed these claims as baseless and politically motivated. “Over the past five years, I’ve faced various challenges, accusations, and slander. Some accusations are ill-intentioned and politically driven. They are untrue. InsyaAllah, we will continue focusing on a sound administrative system for Sabah,” he asserted.
Speaking on the implementation of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan, Hajiji acknowledged that the state government has encountered challenges, including delays and funding constraints. However, he credited strong governance for enabling them to overcome these difficulties and successfully deliver on planned initiatives.
The SMJ 1.0 roadmap, which spans from 2021 to 2025, targets multiple societal sectors. Its initial phase focuses on three core areas-agriculture, industry, and tourism-as key economic drivers, supported by human capital development, public welfare, infrastructure networks, and green sustainability. Hajiji earlier noted that since its launch in 2021, SMJ 1.0 has yielded encouraging results, with its outcomes now visible and benefiting the people.