KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, on the eve of his 100th day of helming the Sabah government, said the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) administration has already fulfilled a number of its nine-point manifesto.
He said despite facing various challenges due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the state government remains committed to delivering on its pledges - some of which require long-term solutions - as soon as possible.
He said the pledges encompass state rights, infrastructure, economy, employment, civil service, health, prosperity, education and human capital, security, as well as youth and women development.
He said the GRS government would continue to give priority to pursuing state rights with the Federal Government under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
"Beside the G-to-G (government to government) committees on MA63, I am constantly in touch with Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on these matters," he said in a statement.
Reflecting on the urgent need for better infrastructure and maintenance, he said the administration has allocated RM1.6 billion or about 30 per cent of the total 2021 state budget.
He said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin is looking into speeding up the construction of the Pan Borneo Highway, including seeking alternative funding methods.
Hajiji, who is also state Finance Minister, had said in his budget speech that the GRS administration would also revive and grow the state's economy to help entrepreneurs who have been badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
"To better serve the people, the GRS government has begun to look into introducing several programmes to equip the civil service to better serve the people.
"The most important of these programmes is the digitisation of the government system and the increase in human capital investment in the civil service. These will enable the government to serve the public better and more efficiently."
Hajiji, who is also Sulaman assemblyman, gave his assurance that he is a chief minister for all irrespective of race, religion or political affiliation.
"I would like to assure you that the GRS government will continue to work diligently for all Sabahans, especially the less fortunate ones.
"At the same time, I would like to request for all Sabahans to unite and give your continuous full support to the GRS government for a better economic future."