Both stability and growth apparent under GRS: Duo
Published on: Mon, Jul 28, 2025 Text Size: Kadir and TC Goh. Kota Kinabalu: Two prominent business leaders lauded the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-PH government under Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor for maintaining political stability and driving inclusive economic development in the State. Chief Executive Officer of Kumpulan BTC Berhad Datuk Abdul Kadir M.E. Sikkandar, said the current administration has created a conducive environment for business growth and investor confidence. He highlighted the government's commitment to transparency, inclusiveness and people-centric development, stating that Sabah today stands on a strong foundation. 'With continued leadership under Hajiji I am confident Sabah will scale even greater heights. 'Political uncertainty continues to challenge other parts of the country, but Sabah has emerged as a model of calm, unity and steady progress,' he said. Abdul Kadir said Kumpulan BTC Berhad, a homegrown company, has grown significantly under the current administration and now employs over 800 Sabahans across various sectors. He attributed the expansion to the state's stable political climate and pro-business policies under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan. 'The SMJ Plan has reenergised key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, infrastructure and renewable energy. 'While also opening up opportunities for local and Bumiputera entrepreneurs to thrive,' he said. Abdul Kadir who is also the Deputy President of the Dewan Usahawan Melayu Sabah observed a renewed sense of optimism among local entrepreneurs, especially younger Sabahans exploring opportunities in business, agriculture and innovation within the State. Meanwhile, prominent businessman Tan Sri TC Goh said the GRS government's economic stewardship has yielded remarkable results. 'The result exceeded expectations and solidifying its position as a capable administrator,' said the Sabah Advisory Council (SEAC) member. 'The Government's success is underscored by a dramatic increase in state revenue: nearly RM7 billion annually for 2022, 2023, and 2024 – a significant leap from RM3.5 billion in 2020,' Goh said. This growth, Goh said, mirrored a robust rise in Sabah's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), climbing from RM83.2 billion in 2023 to RM84.3 billion in 2024, coupled with a substantial increase in state reserves to RM8.6 billion. He said these figures demonstrate a healthy and thriving economy, directly attributable to the GRS government's effective management. 'This economic growth translates into higher income and employment rates, ultimately improving the standard of living for Sabahans…Furthermore, the stability fostered by the GRS government has boosted investor confidence, creating a positive feedback loop for continued economic expansion.' * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
5 hours ago
- New Straits Times
New study underway to ensure fair pay for Gen Z, millennials
KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Resources Ministry is conducting a feasibility study on implementing a minimum wage for graduates, aimed at ensuring fair starting salaries that reflect their qualifications and skills. Its minister, Steven Sim, said the study, carried out through the National Wages Consultative Council, is a comprehensive effort crucial to addressing salary expectations among younger workers, particularly those from Generation Z and Y (millennials), who now make up the majority of the country's labour force. "The study is important to ensure that graduates, the majority of whom are from the Generation Z and millennial cohorts, receive starting salaries that are commensurate with their qualifications. "This includes ensuring their income is aligned with their academic qualifications and skills and is also relevant to the current challenge of rising living costs. "The findings and related policy proposals will be submitted to the government once finalised," he said in a written parliamentary reply published today. He was responding to Young Syefura Othman (PH-Bentong), who enquired about the government's intervention plan to improve the wage structure in employment sectors dominated by Generation Z and millennials, who are currently facing a high cost of living. Citing the 2023 Salaries and Wages Survey Report by the Statistics Department, Sim said 76 per cent of the 10.1 million wage earners are aged between 15 and 44. He said graduates aged 15 to 29, representing Generation Z, currently earn an estimated median monthly salary of between RM1,529 and RM2,076. Meanwhile, those aged 30 to 44, representing millennials, earn between RM2,702 and RM3,381. "The young workforce, which makes up the majority of the country's labour market, holds significant potential to be empowered through government policy interventions that support the improvement of their well-being and competitiveness in the future economy. "In this regard, the government has taken several strategic measures to address the issue of wage structure and ensure a fairer distribution of income, including the implementation of the Minimum Wage Order, the Productivity-Linked Wage System and the Progressive Wage Policy."
The Star
7 hours ago
- The Star
Bung: Sabah Umno won't be rushed into alliances without clear strategy
KOTA KINABALU: Despite having the autonomy to decide, Sabah Barisan-Umno will not rush into forming alliances with any party or coalition without a clear and well-defined strategy ahead of the state election, says Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin. The Sabah Umno chief said the party is mature enough that it will not panic and make hasty decisions like their opponents. 'Sabah Barisan-Umno has autonomy, yes, but we are also mature. We understand the meaning of unity, not only at the federal level but also at the state level. We are not hasty in announcing something without strategy. 'We do not follow the panicked rhythm of our opponents — those who argued yesterday, pose for photos together today, and return to backstabbing each other tomorrow,' he said in a statement on Wednesday (Aug 6). Bung Moktar was responding to Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) vice-president Arthur Sen's recent statement, who criticised Bung Moktar for using PBS as a political provocation, calling his conduct childish and unfounded. 'He (Bung) acted like a child… saying he does not want to work with PBS. But when did PBS apply to work with you?' Arthur was quoted as saying. Bung Moktar said he was amused by Arthur's remark, stressing that Barisan-Umno knows what it is doing and does not need any party, including PBS, to offer unsolicited advice. 'We know when to act, who to work with, and when to stand on our own. We have been consistent from the beginning — we don't want to work with parties that lack dignity, are insincere, and have a history of betraying their fellow comrades. 'Sabah Umno has had enough experience of being stabbed in the back, and this time, we will not turn back,' he said. 'We are not sulking. We are not threatening. We are preparing.' Bung said the GRS-led government has failed to deliver on basic needs, with unresolved water issues, unreliable electricity even in towns, and worsening roads. He added that the economy remained weak, investors are pulling back, and young people are leaving the state. 'GRS is not a unity government — it's a government in panic, scrambling for new alliances and trading principles just to stay in power,' he said.
New Straits Times
8 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Former Teraju CEO Mohd Husni appointed as Labuan Corporation chairman
LABUAN: Former Teraju chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Husni Mohamad Salleh has been appointed as the chairman of Labuan Corporation (LC) for a two-year term, effective Aug 1, 2025. Mohd Husni, 56, is a seasoned corporate leader and administrator with over 34 years of experience across government agencies, government-linked companies (GLCs), and the corporate sector. The appointment of Mohd Husni who holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration (Finance) from West Virginia University, United States was announced by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa today. He had served as the chief executive officer of the Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit (Teraju) from 2011 to 2018. During his leadership, he also functioned as the chief secretariat to the National Bumiputera Economic Council, as well as the Bumiputera Economic Councils of Sabah and Sarawak. During his tenure, he led the implementation of Bumiputera economic transformation agendas through various national initiatives involving investment, financing, and business development. Mohd Husni had also held several senior positions, namely as the chief governance officer at Sumner Group Health Medical Devices Limited in the United Kingdom. He also served as the chief executive officer of Maju Holdings Sdn Bhd, chief executive officer of Malaysia Venture Capital Management Berhad (MAVCAP), and chief operating officer of MSC Venture Management. Throughout his distinguished career, he has received international recognition, including the Jewels of the Muslim World Award from OIC Today Magazine in 2019, the Global Leadership Award for Leadership Excellence in Community Transformation in 2017, and the Innovative Leadership Award from Limkokwing University in 2016. "I believe with his vast experience and strong background, Mohd Husni's appointment will further strengthen Labuan's strategic role as a competitive Federal Territory, particularly in enhancing investment appeal, expanding the local economic ecosystem, and improving the quality of life for the island's residents," she said in a statement. Dr Zaliha expressed the government's deepest appreciation to Senator Tan Sri Anifah Aman for his leadership and contributions during his service as chairman of the Labuan Corporation since June 2023. The chairman's post has been vacant since Anifah's contract ended last month.
