The Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, encouraged Sabahans to embody the characteristics of the dragon to drive progress and development in the state in 2024, which is known as the Year of the Dragon according to the Chinese zodiac.
Hajiji believes that the dragon is associated with power, greatness, and courage and urged the people, including the Chinese community, to continue supporting the government’s efforts to develop Sabah.
He expressed hope that the natural traits of the dragon will serve as the catalyst to inspire the spirit of the people to continue the development agenda to recover the economy and implement the state’s plans.
According to a speech delivered by Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam during the Dragon, Unicorn, and Lion Festival organized by the United Sabah Chinese Communities Association of Kota Kinabalu (USCCAKK), Hajiji said that the state government has increased the development allocation for non-Muslim religious bodies, mission schools, national type, and private schools to RM2.7mil this year.
He further explained that the state government has allocated a total of RM56.75mil for this purpose in 2024, compared to RM54.05mil the previous year. Out of this, RM24.15mil was earmarked for schools, while the remaining RM32.6mil was allocated for non-Muslim religious institutions.
Hajiji also mentioned that the government has provided RM1.5mil for the purchase of lion heads statewide, which would be distributed to various associations and temples through the state and parliamentary constituencies.
He added that this assistance in conjunction with Chinese New Year reflects the state government’s commitment to fairness and equality in the distribution of funds and contributions to ensure the people can better celebrate their respective festivities.
Finally, Hajiji praised the USCCAKK for holding the highly anticipated Dragon, Unicorn, and Lion Festival consistently each year.
This demonstrates the Sabah government’s commitment to helping the people in the state regardless of their race and religion.
