KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has assured the rakyat that the state government will look after the welfare of all, regardless of race and religion.
"As a concerned and caring government that always listens to the voice of the people, regardless of their backgrounds, we guarantee the Chinese community that their needs will never be neglected.
"Their (Chinese community's) hard work and commitment to developing the business sectors should be emulated by those who want to be entrepreneurs.
"Although 2020 was a difficult year for us, we have to accept and tackle the pandemic just like the ox, which is hardworking, responsible, brave, skilful and confident. For us in Sabah, ensuring economic growth is essential," he said in a Chinese New Year greeting video.
He added that the Year of the Ox for the Chinese community is expected to bring hope, strength, happiness, good health and prosperity.
Hajiji also reminded the people to be cautious during the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
"People have to remember that there are frontliners who are working hard battling the Covid-19 pandemic, and we pray for them and their families always."
Meanwhile, on the direction of Sabah Maju Jaya, Hajiji said he hopes its implementation will provide the expected outcomes, spur economic growth and benefit the people.
The five-year plan will focus on agriculture, industrialisation, tourism, infrastructure, human capital and the people's wellbeing.