By John T
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government recognises the important role of the Chinese community as a strategic partner in state development, particularly in the economic, entrepreneurship, education and cultural heritage preservation sectors.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor, in this regard, said that the state government would continue to support the initiatives and active involvement of Chinese community organisations as implementing partners in Sabah’s development agenda under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) framework.
He said this at the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Chinese New Year Carnival at Dataran Deasoka, here, today. Hajiji’s speech was read by Sabah Rural Development Minister Datuk Rubin Balang.
Also present were Sabah Youth Development, Sports and Creative Economy Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan; Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai; Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah; The Federation Of Chinese Associations Sabah President Tan Sri TC Goh; and Deputy President Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen.
Hajiji also expressed his appreciation to the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah, which brings together more than 160 associations from across the state and the Federal Territory of Labuan, for their continued contributions in making various community programmes a success.
“Close cooperation between the government and community organisations regardless of race is very important to ensure that development policies can be implemented comprehensively and effectively,” he said.
Hajiji also stressed that cultural diversity and the harmony of multi-racial communities are the foundations of Sabah’s social strength that must continue to be preserved.
“Carnivals like this reflect the uniqueness of Sabah as a state rich in cultural diversity, where every festival is celebrated together in a spirit of mutual respect and goodwill,” he said.
He said the state government’s inclusive approach is in line with the aspiration to build a peaceful, united and prosperous Sabah for all.
Meanwhile, Hajiji said that the State Government continues to strengthen the implementation of the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 (SMJ 2.0) Roadmap as a new leap phase to drive the competitiveness, productivity and economic value of the state, thus ensuring that prosperity can be enjoyed inclusively by all levels of the people regardless of race and background.
He said SMJ 2.0 is not just a continuation of the previous development plan but rather a catalyst for comprehensive change that demands increased personal capabilities, including changes in the way of thinking, working and creating new values for the well-being of the people of Sabah.
“SMJ 2.0 is a leap forward phase that emphasises economic development, human capital empowerment and the well-being of the people. Unity remains the main key to the stability and prosperity of the state,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that the successful implementation of the SMJ 1.0 Development Plan gives confidence that Sabah is on the right track, while SMJ 2.0 is designed in line with the implementation of the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) for the period 2026 to 2030.
According to him, the continuous development approach is important to ensure sustainable economic growth and to be able to address future challenges in a more strategic and integrated manner.
Hajiji also wished the entire Chinese community in Sabah a Happy Chinese New Year 2026, while hoping that the celebration will continue to be a catalyst for unity, harmony and shared progress for a brighter future for the state.
