Sabah devt to remain priority – Rahman
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s development agenda will continue to be given priority, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan, yesterday.
Speaking at his Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house held at Taman Kingfisher yesterday, Rahman stressed that Sabah still needed a lot of development.
“Since I am the EPU (Economic Planning Unit) minister, various discussions are being carried out on Sabah development needs,” he said.
He added that there have been several major projects that have already been approved, such as the expansion of the Sandakan airport worth RM80 million, as well as RM400 million for road upgrading along Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and the clean water project in Ranau worth RM29 million.
He thanked Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, who is also the Karanaan assemblyman for bringing to his attention the water problem faced by the people of Ranau.
Rahman also commented on the Hari Raya celebration, stating that the open house was the best platform to strengthen ties between one another.
Through the holding of open houses, he said people from all walks of life could come and enjoy the festivity together.
“Today, we can see the feeling of togetherness of all the people who come from all backgrounds,” he said, including members of the opposition.
He stressed the need to preserve such an environment where everyone could find a point that unites all.
Meanwhile, visitors expressed happiness on being able to attend the open house.
Ray Jackson shared that the open house concept was one of the uniqueness of the people of Sabah.
“The people of Sabah could unite despite their differences in religion and race; they come together to celebrate such festivity,” he said.
Maribel Cruz said the open house allowed her to enjoy the various delicious cuisines that were served. At the same time, it is a place where people could sit together and enjoy a meal onthe same table and get to know one another, she said.
Dexter Lim said that such a show of unity had been prevalent in the Sabah society since time immemorial.
“The unity between the different ethnic people in Sabah has existed for a long time and is part and parcel of the lives of the people here,” he said.
Affidah Ariff, who came with her children and husband, said that they were thankful to be able to savour such moments in a peaceful and harmonious environment.
“We can see countries that are now facing crisis due to war resulting in the death in many of their citizens,” she said.
“But here we are, sitting peacefully to enjoy the Hari Raya celebration and our meal,” she said.
Also present were Head of State Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and his wife, Toh Puan Norlidah RM Jasni, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Hai Aman, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Yahya Hussin, Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Salleh Said Keruak, Sabah Gerakan chairman Datuk Gordon Leong and MIC Sabah chairman Datuk V. Jothi.
Source: Borneo Post
