KOTA KINABALU, Nov 8 —Rural folk in Sabah and Sarawak will be given greater attention and allocation under the 10th Malaysia Plan, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday.
He said the National Key Results Areas (NKRA) concept that related to rural development was actively identifying peoples’ needs especially in Sabah and Sarawak for the government’s transformation plan.
“I want ministers to come to Sabah and Sarawak as rural development is important for these states.
“When we work, we must ensure that all villages have their needs met as per the NKRA irrespective of the time frame.
“The NKRA is for rural folk, and the larger portion is provided to Sabah and Sarawak,” he said at a function to officiate the 24th Annual General Meeting of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) here.
Najib said rural folk in Sabah and Sarawak should also be aware of their needs in line with national development.
As such, he called on the people to voice out their problems and needs so that the government can take steps to provide relief to them.
“Feedback from the people of Sabah is increasingly good. We want this to continue. Don’t worry, if allocations are not enough, we will increase,” he said.
Najib also said the government was committed to resolve the problem of illegal immigrants in Sabah but that needed the cooperation of all quarters including employers.
He said Sabah was capable of becoming a developed state if its natural resources were properly utilised, especially in tourism.
“Sabah is a showcase for Malaysia. Sabah is a destination of choice for both local and foreign tourists. They all praise Sabah’s beauty and the way of life,” he said.
Najib said the unique way of life in Sabah was among the attractions to tourists and that was a very good example to promote the concept of unity in line with 1Malaysia.
“That is why I introduced the 1Malaysia concept. This is just not a slogan or political rhetoric. This is a formula for all races and ethnic groups.
“As one family we can make this a great country with ethnic diversity and true loyalty to the country,” he said. — Bernama
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