New Year's resolutions: Stability, better health, lower costs
KENINGAU: With 2017 drawing to a close, it is time again for New Year's resolutions.
Enhanced political stability, greater economic development, reduced cost of living, good health and better life appear to be the top goals of most people in Sabah in 2018.
A major section of the populace here is hoping that the political and economic stability in the state will be enhanced in 2018.
They are also hoping that the problems faced by the people, especially the high cost of living, will be addressed appropriately.
Former Keningau district officer Haji Zulkifli Nasir, when contacted by The Borneo Post yesterday, has asked the government to pay attention and solve the problems faced by the people, especially the rising prices of goods and cost of living that are burdening the people.
In addition, he said, efforts must be made to increase employment opportunities for graduates and to carry out strict monitoring and enforcement of the laws on traders who deliberately raise the prices of goods to profiteer.
“From a political perspective, we should expect a strong, stable and people-friendly government after the 14th general election (GE14) besides wise, mature and professional politicians who can handle the people's problems,” he said.
Haji Zulkifli, who was also the former district officer of Lahad Datu and former deputy director of INSAN, said, there is a need for more programs to be held to enhance the unity, harmony and well-being of the people of various races and religions in the state.
District chief, OKK Mohd Amir Datuk Arif, wants all Malaysians, especially Sabahans, to have a better economic situation next year.
“The government must provide more funds to increase and enhance the income of our farmers by intensifying joint venture initiatives of government agencies such as Felcra, LIGS, FAMA and Risda in the rural areas.
“This would include cultivating idle village lands with oil palm or rubber trees through joint ventures besides other crops such as coconut, pineapple, maize, banana and others which can be profitable,” he said.
Amir said, in order to reduce the migration of youths seeking jobs in Peninsular Malaysia, the state government should open more manufacturing factories that can employ local people to work.
He said that at present the youths here are more focused on finding jobs in Peninsular Malaysia.
At the same time, he also called on the government to standardize rubber prices throughout the country by reducing transportation costs and enhancing the road network system and expanding the railway routes throughout the state.
Sabah Mamagun Organization (Mamagun) president, Rudy Sulaiman Mairi, expects that in 2018 the political situation will stabilize and the economy will improve.
He said this included the prices of daily necessities to return to a reasonable level, besides providing subsidies as before and for the Good and Services Tax (GST) to be abolished.
“I call on the government to create more job opportunities, have zero corruption, and for our leaders to take more action instead of just talking like a 'Burung Tiong' (Mynah bird),” he said.
Former Tambunan district education officer, Haji Kaipin Haji Rusmin, said, the people are waiting for 2018 with great expectations and dreams of a better life.
He said although the new year resolutions of each individual are different based on their own needs and dreams, the overall dream and expectation of Malaysians can be summarized based on key aspects such as the rising cost of living, community solidarity, welfare and social life as well as political and security stability in this country.
In LAHAD DATU, Silam Wanita Umno leader Mizma Appehdullah said she wished to have good health in 2018 so that she could contribute more to the people.
Mizma said she would continue to provide services to the people and do more good deeds.
She said she would work harder with Wanita Umno to ensure Barisan Nasional win the election. As for Nabila Sulaiman, she would strive to break her bad habits, work harder and have a better future.
Nabila said she also wanted to do something more challenging and travel with her friends.
"What is important is that I want to spend more time with the people I love and create a lot of wonderful and sweet memories," she said.
Miamaysarah Osman hoped that 2018 would become a year which she could achieve more success.
She said she would work harder, spend more time with her family and friends, while also keeping fit and enjoying life more.
Miamaysarah said she hoped the government would continue to implement more development for the country and the people.
"I hope the government will find a way to reduce the cost of living so that it will not be burdensome to the people.
"I hope the government will continue with the welfare programmes to help the underprivileged," she added.
In TAWAU, Quorra Vee's resolution for the New Year is to travel around the world and visit many interesting places and countries, and she hopes her wish will come true.
Zee @ Patricia's resolution is to make more money in 2018 than in 2017, while Judy Vilma Macam Santos wants to be an independent woman without relying on others.
Rosalina Ramos' wish is to return to her hometown in 2018 and for all her family members to be in good health.
Ahonk's (one name) resolution is to work harder and become a millionaire.