"Sabah First” remains the core of the State Government’s policy

7 February 2026

KOTA KINABALU: The “Sabah First” principle continues to be the foundation of every policy and decision of the State Government in ensuring the interests of the people of Sabah are always prioritised.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said it is also to ensure the state revenues are managed responsibly, and economic opportunities are expanded fairly to all segments of society, he said.

“Therefore, it is my hope that all Sabahans, regardless of race or religion, will come together to make the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 a success,” he said at the Kongsi Raya Muhibbah Yee Sang event at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) today.

His speech was delivered by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun.

He said that 2026 marked a new chapter for Sabah, as it continues to move forward and enters a new phase of development, in line with the conclusion of the 17th State Assembly General Election.

“If the SMJ 1.0 Development Plan was a phase of recovery, restructuring and stabilisation, then the SMJ 2.0 Development Plan represents a leap forward that is a leap in competitiveness, productivity and the state’s economic value,” he said.

According to him, the success of the SMJ 1.0 Development Plan has instilled confidence that the state is on the right track.

As such, he said the SMJ 2.0 Development Plan is a continuation that demands continuous change to enhance capabilities, encompassing changes in the way of thinking, working, and creating new value for the people.

“This direction is also aligned with the implementation of the 13th Malaysia Plan, which will be carried out from this year until 2030. The State Government remains committed to implementing the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 agenda as a comprehensive development framework that emphasises unity among the people, political stability, and inclusive and sustainable development,” he said.

On the Kongsi Raya Muhibbah Yee Sang event, Hajiji said it was not merely a combination of festive celebrations, but a manifestation of mutual respect, togetherness and affection that have long been part of the way of life for the people of Sabah.

“It is this harmony that makes Sabah a peaceful, stable and exemplary state, where people of various ethnicities and beliefs live together in an atmosphere of mutual understanding,” he said.

Regarding the attempt to break the ASEAN record for the longest Yee Sang, measuring 1,500 meters, today, he said it was not merely an achievement in terms of numbers or physical measurement, but carried a much deeper meaning for the people and the state of Sabah.

“It is a symbol of the unity of the people of Sabah, comprising various ethnicities, cultures and beliefs, united in a single intention and purpose to build and develop our beloved state of Sabah together.

“May this event foster a spirit of cooperation and mutual assistance involving all parties, whether the government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the private sector, entrepreneurs or the general public, in making this a historic effort at the ASEAN level."

“With the spirit of mutual respect and trust as the main pillar, this relationship makes ASEAN an important strategic partner for the state of Sabah in tourism, trade and investment,” he said.