Sabah will get to enjoy equitable development encompassing education, infrastructure, and job opportunities through the Economy MADANI framework which was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently.
Describing the framework as being inclusive, Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said the commitment of the Unity Government to raise the quality of life of Malaysians can be seen, among others, through the additional allocation of RM800 million to solve water issues in Kelantan and Sabah.
The Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, said the additional allocation for a short-term solution to water issues in both states will ensure quality water supply can be enjoyed by the people consistently.
In the education aspect, Arthur said PBRS fully supports the Unity Government's move to increase the allocation, simplify procurement procedures as well as on the decentralisation of power to speed up the implementation of school projects and repair of dilapidated schools.
"I am confident that this effort will help simplify matters and speed up the Sabah government's efforts to plan, repair, and develop educational facilities in accordance with the needs of the people," he said.
Arthur, who is Pensiangan Member of Parliament, said access to facilities and a comfortable school environment are critical in shaping the minds of children in rural areas.
Elaborating further, he said the Unity Government's aim to ensure low-carbon development by focusing on increasing renewable energy generation capacity is in line with Sabah's commitment to producing renewable energy to attract investors who prioritise environmental, social, and governance aspects.
Apart from this, the implementation of policies to support the increasing wages compared to gross domestic product (GDP) to a level of 45 per cent will allow Sabahans to earn more without having to migrate to the peninsula.
"This will indirectly accelerate the domestic economic cycle and drive Sabah's economy to a higher level," he also said.
Meanwhile, United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) president Datuk Ewon Benedick said he believes the Economy MADANI framework will take Malaysia towards being more progressive for the next 60 years
Ewon, who is the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister, said the Prime Minister when launching the framework, among others, emphasised the significant role of Malaysian youths, especially in economic activities and entrepreneurship.
"In my opinion, the cooperative movement is among the best platforms for youths to collaborate in entrepreneurship and cooperatives," he said
Source: BERNAMA News Agency