KOTA KINABALU: Sabahans should embody the traits of the dragon and drive progress as well as development in the state, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor
The Chief Minister said 2024 is known as the Year of the Dragon according to the Chinese zodiac, adding it was associated with power, greatness and courage and urged the people including the Chinese community to continue supporting the government’s efforts to develop Sabah.
“I hope these natural traits of the dragon will be the catalyst to drive our spirit to continue the development agenda to recover the economy and implement all the plans for the state,” he said, on Saturday (Jan 27).
Hajiji said this in his speech delivered by Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam during the Dragon, Unicorn and Lion Festival organised by the United Sabah Chinese Communities Association of Kota Kinabalu (USCCAKK) here.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said Sabah has increased the development allocation for non-Muslim religious bodies, mission schools, national type and private schools to RM2.7mil this year.
He said the state government has allocated some RM56.75mil for this purpose in 2024 compared to RM54.05mil the previous year.
From the sum allocated this year, he said, RM24.15mil were meant for schools while the remaining RM32.6mil was for non-Muslim religious institutions.
“This means there is a RM2.7mil increase compared to 2023. This shows the Sabah government was attentive and serious in helping the people in the state regardless of their race and religion,” Hajiji added.
The Chief Minister said the government has also provided RM1.5mil for the purchase of lion heads statewide.
He said the funds would be disbursed to various associations and temples through the state and parliamentary constituencies.
He added this assistance in conjunction with Chinese New Year also reflected the state government’s commitment to fairness and equality in everything it does, particularly in the distribution of funds and contributions to ensure the people could better celebrate their respective festivities.
Towards this end, Hajiji praised the USCCAKK for holding the highly anticipated Dragon, Unicorn and Lion Festival without fail each year. - Star
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