Shafie: Work together to narrow economic gap

KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal has urged the people to work together to close the gap between “West and East Malaysia”.

He said economic prosperity and social welfare between the peninsula and Sabah and Sarawak were still imbalanced.

“With the new Federal Government, let’s celebrate Malaysia Day this time as a starting point to renew our commitment that we have agreed upon.

“Whatever issues arise, it must be reviewed so that we can all sit equally low and stand equally high as a nation.”

Shafie was speaking at the national-level Malaysia Day celebrations here yesterday.

Present was Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

Also present were Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and his wife, Toh Puan Norlidah R.M. Jasni.

Shafie said the state government was committed to developing knowledgeable, skilful and innovative human resource.

“Since the new government took over, we have received many investments from all over the world. This shows (investors) are interested in Sabah, especially in strategic sectors.

“Sabah is not just a state, but a new government, and the people have high hopes that we play a bigger role in building stability in the economy, politics and nation.”

He said Sabah needed a lot of funds to boost development.

“We hope with the new government, whether at the federal or state level, that there will be more progress.

“The Sabah government will continue to work closely with the Federal Government to protect the interests of the people.”

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo.