Jamawi Calls for Stronger Unity and Friendship Within MAFFI

19 December 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, expressed hope that the spirit of friendship among officers and staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry (MAFFI) will continue to be strengthened as the ministry moves towards 2026.

He said a supportive working environment that is open to discussion and marked by a willingness to help one another must be sustained to ensure that all ministerial plans and agendas can be implemented more effectively and with greater purpose.

According to him, a strong foundation of friendship would serve as a catalyst for the more systematic implementation of policies and programmes, while also strengthening trust and cooperation within the organisation.

Jamawi said this in his speech at the MAFFI Christmas Celebration 2025, themed “Strengthen Friendship”, held at the ministry today.

He also conveyed his deepest appreciation and gratitude to all ministry personnel and agencies under MAFFI who were present, describing the warm reception he received as deeply moving.

Jamawi said the event was the first he had attended with the ministry family since his appointment as Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry.

He also expressed his appreciation to the organising committee, led by the Sabah Veterinary Services Department, for their tireless efforts in making the celebration a colourful and warm occasion.

Commenting on this year’s theme, he said “Strengthen Friendship” was highly relevant to MAFFI’s current needs.

He said friendship was not merely a personal relationship, but rather the foundation of trust, cooperation and mutual understanding within a large and diverse organisation such as MAFFI.

He stressed that when relationships among staff are strong, communication becomes smoother, work processes easier, and challenges can be addressed together in a mature and open-minded manner.

Jamawi also reminded departments, agencies and all MAFFI personnel not to compete with one another, but instead to complement each other’s roles.

Since beginning his work with the ministry, Jamawi said he had personally observed how agencies under MAFFI operate as a structured and cohesive team that supports one another.

He likened this cooperation to a well-maintained machine, where every component understands its role and moves towards the same goal.

According to him, such a working environment is not easily achieved and can only exist when there is genuine respect, trust and friendship among staff.

Jamawi said the Christmas celebration carries a universal message of love, acceptance and togetherness, values that resonate strongly with Sabah’s multicultural and multi-faith society.

He added that such events are not merely celebrations, but also provide opportunities for ministry staff to get to know one another better, strengthen relationships and appreciate diversity as a shared strength.

He extended Christmas greetings to all ministry personnel and their families, expressing hope that the festive season would bring joy, peace and cherished moments with loved ones.

He also took the opportunity to wish everyone a Happy New Year 2026, expressing hope that the coming year would further strengthen friendships and bring greater success to MAFFI.

Also present were Assistant Minister Datuk Hendrus Anding; the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Datuk Leonard Stephen Poyong; Jamawi’s wife, Datin Zainatunnisa Ibrahim; the Director of Sabah Veterinary Services, who is also Chairperson of the Ministry-level Christmas Celebration Organising Committee 2025; the Deputy Permanent Secretaries; and several heads of departments and agencies.