KOTA KINABALU: Some of the issues affecting the people raised during the recent State Legislative Assembly sitting must be resolved quickly through the implementation of high-impact and low-cost “low-hanging fruit” projects, stressed Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
He said among the issues raised by State Assembly members during the recent sitting were those concerning the people’s basic needs, including water and electricity supply, roads, flooding and drainage systems, education and others.
“All these issues are related to the people’s daily needs and some can be resolved through the implementation of ‘low-hanging fruit’ projects.
“I wish to reiterate the importance of implementing ‘low-hanging fruit’ projects as a strategic catalyst for Sabah’s development.
“While mega projects are important for long-term growth, these ‘low-hanging fruit’ projects can deliver immediate impact that the people and the government can feel within a shorter period,” he said.
Hajiji therefore wants all issues affecting the implementation of small projects resolved immediately to ensure that every project is completed according to schedule.
“The people have high expectations that they will be able to enjoy the benefits of development without any delay,” he said when chairing the State Development Action Council (MTPNg) meeting at Menara Kinabalu here on Monday.
“I call on all ministries, departments and implementing agencies to strengthen their commitment further, enhance cooperation and improve strategic coordination to ensure that every development project is implemented efficiently, systematically and according to the stipulated schedule,” he said.
He said MTPNg meetings should be fully utilised as a platform for constructive, solution-and action-oriented discussions so that every implementation issue can be addressed proactively for the prosperity of the state and the well-being of the people.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said the State Government would remain committed to strengthening strategic cooperation with the Federal Government to ensure that every national development agenda is implemented more efficiently and effectively.
He said this was important to ensure that every policy, programme and development project translated into tangible benefits for the well-being of the people and the prosperity of Sabah.
“In line with the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI and the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 development direction, the implementation of development projects must continue to be strengthened through more systematic and integrated coordination among ministries, departments and implementing agencies.
“To realise these aspirations, all ministries, departments and implementing agencies must continue to strengthen inter-agency cooperation and communication while optimising the sharing of information and best practices.
“I am confident that through strong commitment and synergy, we will be able to ensure that every development project is completed, thereby accelerating Sabah’s progress while improving the well-being and quality of life of the people,” he said.
Also present were Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Masidi Manjun, State Cabinet Ministers and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak) Datuk Ts. Mustapha Sakmud
The MTPNg meeting was also attended for the first time by newly appointed State Secretary Datuk Zainudin Aman, together with Sabah Federal Secretary Datuk Mohd Razali Wahab and Sabah Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU), Prime Minister’s Department Director Datuk Samsul Dollah.-pr /BNN
