Sabah Progress Anchored on SMJ, Says Deputy CM

21 September 2025

RANAU: Development in Sabah, including in Kundasang, is being implemented based on the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan Roadmap, which serves as the main guide for the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Government.

Deputy Chief Minister II, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, stressed that the SMJ Roadmap not only ensures smooth progress in infrastructure and economic development, but also places strong emphasis on human capital development, including children’s education as an investment in the state’s future.

“The GRS Government is guided by the SMJ Roadmap, which ensures that all aspects of development continue to move forward, whether in basic amenities, people’s wellbeing, or improvements in the quality of education for the younger generation,” he said when speaking at a programme with residents of PDM Nawanon at the Kampung Nawanon Mini Hall.

Dr Joachim, who is also the Kundasang Assemblyman, underlined that development success does not happen overnight.

“For example, after many years, the construction of roads from Simpang Tarawas to SK Kaingaran, as well as from Singgaron to Mansalu (SK Kawiyan), has finally materialised. This is proof of the continuity of efforts by past leaders, carried forward by today’s government,” he explained.

The Local Government and Housing Minister added that GRS has worked hard over the past five years, achieving various milestones, and will continue its efforts to strengthen development in the next term of office.

“The choice of government and representatives lies with you. You are free to elect your leaders. However, I am confident that GRS will remain in government because we have delivered tangible results, not just rhetoric,” he said.

At the same event, Kampung Nawanon Chief, Daini Ambag, expressed his appreciation to Dr Joachim for providing various infrastructure facilities to improve residents’ wellbeing, and urged villagers to continue giving strong support to the government.

Meanwhile, in a separate programme, Dr Joachim officiated the Kampung Kantas Mini Hall and met with local residents.

He said the new facility offers a comfortable space for the community to carry out social and recreational activities without being affected by hot or rainy weather.

Chairperson of the Kampung Kantas Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK), Hernita Tanggangon, also conveyed her gratitude to Dr Joachim and expressed hope that the government would open more farm access roads to ease the marketing of local agricultural produce.

Responding to the request, Dr Joachim instructed the JKKK to list the farm roads and submit them to the Kundasang Community Development Leader’s Unit (UPPM) for further action.

Also present at the event were Dr Joachim’s Political Secretary, Yubidi Gumpoyo; Kundasang Assembly Community Development Leader, Dounis Sani; Mukim Developer, Saiful Ruling; and several UPPM officers.