Criticising SMJ slogan does not mean disrespect for Sabah motto — Bung

BELURAN: Criticism of the “Sabah Maju Jaya” (SMJ) slogan under the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government does not mean people are disrespecting the official state motto, according to Sabah Umno chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.

He said that the GRS government’s use of the state’s official motto as its call sign for development opens it up to either people supporting or criticising it based on the state government’s efforts.

“The people have high expectations from the slogan introduced by the GRS government to see more sustainable changes in the aspects of progress and development in this state,” he said at the GERAK17 Sabah

Umno programme for the Sugud constituency here on Saturday.

He said it was not an issue when people belittled the slogan as there was a difference between the slogan introduced by GRS and Sabah’s Coat of Arms which has a similar motto.

“People are not disrespecting or caring less for the state of Sabah when they question the GRSintroduced SMJ development plan.

“The usage of SMJ here are two different issues,” he said.

He said the people were really hoping for improvement in basic infrastructure such as better roads, a stable and clean water and electricity supply, and a growing economy.

“These are not being met and people’s daily lives are affected,”

Bung Moktar said, adding that the “Sabah Maju Jaya” motto in the Sabah Coat of Arms, introduced on Sept 16, 1988, remained respected by the people.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor recently expressed his displeasure with certain parties who mock the sacred SMJ slogan either through writings or comments on social media.

He said even though SMJ is a simple phrase, it carries a message and great meaning calling on every Sabahan to love progress and success.

Meanwhile, Bung Moktar said Umno will continue to be consistent with its slogan ‘Bersatu, Bersetia, Berkhidmat (United, Loyal and Serve)’ to continue serving the people in this state.

The Umno Supreme Council member said that Sabah Umno must rise to defend the people until they can improve their lives.

“Umno needs to rise to rectify this situation; the people need proper advocacy, not just empty promises that lead to no change,” he said.

Bung Moktar said the party will only become strong if all its members unite and avoid internal conflicts.

“Put the party’s interests as the number one priority so that the party’s survival will be better protected in the future, with commitment and teamwork spirit, organised work movements and the right strategies to achieve success,” he said.