Latest news with #PanglimaMasidiManjun
Borneo Post
5 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Enactment opens up investment opportunities in carbon market
Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun presenting the Asean Distinguished Entrepreneur Lifetime Achievement Award to WSG Properties Sdn Bhd Managing Director Datuk Susan Wong in conjunction with the ASEAN Sustainable Forestry Summit on Tuesday. KOTA KINABALU (July 29): The passing of the Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025 at the recent Sabah State Assembly sitting has opened up opportunities for Sabah to attract investors, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor. 'This legal foundation gives investors the certainty they need. But the bigger opportunity lies in ASEAN cooperation. To grow this space, we need a functioning regional carbon market. 'That means common standards, regulatory alignment, and mutual recognition of credits across borders. A fragmented system will only delay investment. 'Sabah is ready to work with other ASEAN countries to push this agenda forward. Our forests are already doing their part. Now the frameworks must catch up,' he said at the ASEAN Sustainable Forestry Summit 2025 held at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort on Tuesday. Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun delivered his speech. Hajiji said the Enactment creates the Sabah Climate Action Council, a Climate Fund, a state-level emissions inventory, and a framework for benefit-sharing, particularly with indigenous communities. 'Carbon rights have been legally affirmed as belonging to the state government. And carbon-related activities from project approval to credit trading will now be governed by a clear and enforceable structure,' he said. The Chief Minister reiterated that Sabah is now a net sink jurisdiction – absorbing more carbon than it emits. 'We are among the rare few jurisdictions in the world to hold this status, and it is estimated that Sabah alone contributes approximately 36 per cent of Malaysia's total carbon sequestration. 'This is more than an environmental milestone. It is a strategic economic asset. In a carbon-constrained world, it is a competitive advantage we cannot afford to lose,' he said. Hajiji said forestry is central to Sabah's economy, environment, and future. 'Under the State Government's development plan, the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ), we have embedded sustainable forestry into our long-term growth strategy. 'In 2022, we introduced the Forest Plantation Development Action Plan, a 15-year blueprint to rehabilitate 400,000 hectares of degraded forest. This initiative is not just about replanting trees. It is about securing a reliable timber supply, generating green jobs and strengthening rural economies. 'Achieving the targets set out in this plan requires the continued commitment of Forest Management Unit (FMU) licence holders and working in close partnership with the Sabah Forestry Department,' he said. In this regard, Hajiji urged all FMU licence holders to fulfil their obligations while the Sabah Forestry Department strengthens its role in tracking progress and ensuring that implementation stays on course. Once fully realised, the plan is projected to contribute more than RM11 billion to Sabah's GDP and create 40,000 jobs across the value chain, he said. He also said timber remained a strategic sector for Sabah, with timber royalties rising to RM171 million in 2024, marking an increase of RM16 million from the previous year. 'Export volumes have also grown steadily, especially to Japan, the United States and Taiwan. Our target is clear: to reduce dependence on natural forests and scale up plantation-based, sustainable timber production,' he said. At the same time, he noted that Sabah, as the largest producer of crude palm oil (CPO) in Malaysia, contributing over 25 per cent of the national output, is also advancing its leadership in the palm oil industry. 'In 2024, Malaysia's CPO production reached 19.3 million tonnes, which is the highest in six years, and global demand remains strong. We are leveraging this advantage to attract investments in downstream processing, biofuels, and palm-based innovation. Facilities such as the Palm Oil Industrial Cluster in Lahad Datu and the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park have positioned Sabah as a hub for value-added manufacturing and biomass development, making them the engines of transformation, he said. 'Forestry and climate are now at the core of economic strategy for Sabah, for Malaysia and ASEAN. This Summit reflects that shift. We are no longer treating sustainability as optional. It is part of how we create jobs, attract investment, and strengthen resilience,' he said. In a nutshell, the Chief Minister stated that with clear laws, strong institutions, and the SMJ Roadmap to guide implementation, Sabah is well-prepared for the carbon market. 'Our forests and communities are already doing the hard work of carbon sequestration, biodiversity protection and sustainable use. But we cannot do this alone. 'We welcome those who bring capital, expertise and long-term partnerships from ASEAN and beyond. Invest in Sabah. You are investing in a state that is stable, strategic and serious about a green future,' he said. Jointly organised by the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific and the ASEAN Economic Club, the Summit brings together policy makers, business leaders and environmental experts from across Southeast Asia to address the urgent need for sustainable forestry and climate resilience.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Hajiji: Unity govt backing sparked by federal leader's snub of 'Borneo Bloc' term
Hajiji, Deputy Gagasan Rakyat president Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, and party leaders exchanging greetings with the delegates at SICC on Sunday. KOTA KINABALU (July 27): Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor revealed that a federal leader's apparent disdain for the term 'Borneo Bloc' was the turning point that led him to throw his support behind Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Unity Government. In his winding-up speech at the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) annual general convention here today, Hajiji shared how the encounter reshaped his political stance and influenced Gabungan Rakyat Sabah's (GRS) current federal alignment. 'That was before. Not a leader from the Unity Government. That was back then… before the Unity Government,' said Hajiji, recounting a meeting with a former federal leader who dismissed the idea of Bornean cooperation. 'When I heard those words, that is when I made the decision to support the Unity Government. Because to me, those words did not sit well. He did not like the Borneo Bloc,' he later said when met by reporters at the end of the event. Hajiji in his speech earlier, related to the delegates that he was accompanied by Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun and Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan during the meeting, where the federal leader not only declared himself 'the master' but also objected to Sabah and Sarawak sharing experiences. 'He did not want us to engage with our neighbours in Sarawak. I was deeply shocked by his words. I thought long and hard about what he meant and why he said it,' Hajiji told party delegates. 'That moment caused me to lose heart in that leadership direction. After much reflection, I decided to bring GRS to support the Unity Government.' 'Alhamdulillah, under the leadership of the Honourable Prime Minister, the Unity Government has listened to our voices and treated us well. Therefore, I want to state once again that GRS remains firmly in support of the Prime Minister of Malaysia,' he said. He added that long-standing demands under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) are finally being addressed under Anwar's administration. 'Before this, it was extremely difficult to get them to devolve power or approve our requests. So, what are we hoping for? If the Unity Government is good for our state, why shouldn't we support it?' he said. Urging delegates to remain united and steadfast, Hajiji emphasised that Sabah's destiny must not be dictated by outsiders. 'This is our land, and we are the ones who must determine its direction. Not those from across the sea who presume to dictate to us,' he said and reiterated his commitment to implementing programmes for the benefit of the people, particularly under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 development blueprint, which is set to roll out in 2026. 'Sabah is our homeland. Insya-Allah, SMJ 2.0 will be implemented starting next year. We will further strengthen programmes for the people,' he said. Among the key initiatives mentioned was the continuation of the Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat programme, which provides RM300 monthly to eligible recipients for a year. Hajiji also announced additional assistance for women, youth, and Beliawanis wings particularly those aiming to start small businesses. 'We will help those in need. We will improve the aid schemes previously mentioned by Vice President Datuk Arifin and our other colleagues. Never in the history of Sabah's administration have we seen such impactful policies except under the GRS government,' he pointed out. He stressed that while Sabah is focused on large-scale economic development, the state must not forget those at the bottom of the socio-economic ladder. According to Hajiji, tens of thousands of job opportunities have been created since GRS came into power, reducing the need for Sabahans to seek employment in other states or abroad. 'Sometimes when we stay in hotels in Kuala Lumpur, we encounter Sabahan youths working there. They have degrees and diplomas. But because they had to migrate, it shows we had not created enough jobs for them. That is why GRS has intensified efforts in investor-friendly policies, industrial development, agriculture, and tourism, to generate local job opportunities. 'This is our struggle. Believe me, if we win the election, we will govern the state of Sabah in the best way possible,' he stressed. Before concluding, Hajiji expressed his appreciation to party leaders and delegates for their commitment and support, and extended special thanks to the Permanent Chairman and Deputy Chairman for their smooth handling of the convention. 'Let us stay united. Let this fighting spirit carry us through the next general election. Insya-Allah, we will win in style,' said the Gagasan Rakyat President. Meanwhile Hajiji confirmed that he will be accompanying Anwar on a working visit to Indonesia starting tomorrow.
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Masidi: Political stability key to realising Sabah's devt potential
Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun KOTA KINABALU (July 26): Political stability and continuity are essential if Sabah is to fully realise its development potential, said Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Deputy President Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun. Speaking after officiating the joint opening of Gagasan Rakyat's Women, Youth, and Beliawanis wings' annual general convention at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here today, Masidi said Sabah must move past political ego and instability to adopt a more mature, cohesive approach ahead of the 17th State Election. 'This is our need, to defend the achievements of the government that have been made so far,' he said. 'We often compare Sabah to Sarawak. But if we want to be like Sarawak, we must have the mindset and attitude of the Sarawakian people. Prioritise political stability. Prioritise continuity in the efforts that have been initiated,' he said. 'The problem with Sabah is that our government changes too often. We can see this clearly, while Sarawak is currently only on its sixth Premier, Sabah has already had 16 Chief Ministers. 'And when governments change too often, we lose time, time that should have been spent focusing on, first, solving Sabah's basic issues; and second, on continuing development,' said Masidi. Masidi, a seasoned political leader and long-serving Cabinet minister, said the core message he wanted to convey was one of unity, love for the state, and a return to the founding values expressed in Sabah's state anthem, 'Sabah Tanah Airku'. 'That anthem reflects the foundation, objectives, and vision of Sabah as expressed by our earlier leaders and that vision is still relevant today,' he said. When asked if now was the right time for all component parties to unite and focus on victory in the upcoming state election, Masidi responded firmly: 'Exactly.' 'Sometimes, the issue is that there's too much ego in our political system. Everyone wants to win, but not many actually want to work and dirty their hands,' he said. He warned that Sabah's political culture must move away from the zero-sum mentality where one side's gain is automatically another's loss. 'Sabah politics should not be a zero-sum game. When one wins, everyone wins; when one loses, everyone loses. If we maintain this 'I must win and others must lose' attitude, Sabahans will never unite. We need to collaborate and look at the broader interest and continue to develop Sabah. We have great potential and abundant resources. But what we lack is the will to unite and the willingness to work hard,' he opined. Asked whether Sabahans should rally under a single local party, as is the case in Sarawak, Masidi acknowledged it was an important issue. 'But for me, it's not just about the party. It is about the mindset behind each leader,' he said. Quoting the state anthem again, Masidi pointed to the line 'merdeka sepanjang masa' not just physical independence, but also independence of thought. 'We must not be controlled by outsiders. I hope that our mindset is one that is formed by Sabahans themselves, not one shaped by outsiders,' he stressed. On the proposal to limit the Chief Minister's term to two terms, Masidi welcomed the suggestion and revealed that the Cabinet had already discussed it. Masidi said the idea was mooted as early as last year but lacked the necessary two-thirds support in the State Legislative Assembly to be tabled formally. 'We were not fully ready. Still, we all agreed that based on past experiences, two terms is probably the ideal length for a Chief Minister's tenure,' he said. When asked if there had been discussions with the opposition to secure the needed support, Masidi confirmed that informal talks took place, but no firm commitments had emerged. 'And again, this is part of the problem. We focus too much on politics for the sake of politics, not on politics that delivers prosperity,' he said. development masidi manjun Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah political stability
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Masidi: ‘Sabah Tanah Airku' embodies spirit of Sabah's political struggle
Masidi, Gagasan Rakyat leaders, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) component members leaders and the delegates after the opening ceremony today. KOTA KINABALU (July 26): Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) deputy president Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun has called on Sabahans to take inspiration from the state anthem 'Sabah Tanah Airku,' describing it as the soul of Sabah's political identity and the guiding force for its future. Speaking at the opening of Gagasan Rakyat's Women, Youth, and Beliawanis joint annual convention here today, Masidi pushed back against persistent accusations of betrayal directed at Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) leaders, saying that the final judgment belongs to the people. 'I will never betray the people of Sabah. I understand the hopes and aspirations of our people. What matters most is not what others say about us, but whether the rakyat believe we deserve to carry forward Sabah's mandate. And I believe we do,' he stressed. Masidi pointed out that the message behind Sabah Tanah Airku, sung at every official function, encapsulates the very values GRS upholds: unity, pride, and relentless commitment to progress. 'The entire spirit of our political life, our love for Sabah, our dream for development, our hope for unity, is captured in that one song. When we say 'Sabah First,' it is not merely a slogan. It is the essence of who we are, and it comes directly from the mandate embedded in our anthem,' Masidi said. He stressed that 'Sabah Maju Jaya' slogan frequently criticized by political opponents, is not a partisan catchphrase but a continuation of the aspirations laid out in the state anthem. 'When someone mocks or belittles 'Sabah Maju Jaya', what they are really doing is belittling their own state. They are mocking their own state anthem. Sabah Maju Jaya was not created by GRS. It is actually a part of our inherited history, and we must uphold it as the foundation of our effort and struggle. 'We want to always be independent, not just physically free, but mentally free. Free to think and determine what is best for Sabah. We do not want our thinking to be influenced by outside elements that make us lose our Sabahan identity. We want to remain Sabahans, with thoughts that are our own. 'And that is why we focus on local parties, because we want Sabah to develop based on its own model of progress. Not because someone else wants us to do this or that. Yes, we want to be friends with others, but we will make friends on our own terms, not on terms dictated by others. This is our struggle,' he stressed. He also took aim at detractors who offer constant criticism without solutions, pointing out, 'People can talk, people can criticize. But there are those who are good at criticizing yet say very little about what their plans are to solve problems. 'I understand there is criticism every day, in the newspapers, in the State Assembly. That is true. But for me, it has reached a point where: 'What you say is your problem, not my problem.' 'Let's focus on what truly matters. We have a track record. What do the critics have to show for themselves? We are not here to silence criticism—we are here to deliver results. Let our work speak for us.' With the state gearing up for the next election, he warned of the consequences of losing local control and GRS' achievements must be defended. 'That is why we must win this election. Because we want Sabah to progress, because we love Sabah, and we want these achievements to be multiplied in the future. We are not merely defending GRS' achievement, we are defending the future of our people, especially the younger generation. 'If we lose this government, others will take over. And if that happens, what will become of Sabah in 10 years? Will our youth still have a place? Will Sabahans still be in charge of Sabah?' he questioned. 'We are not just defending GRS' track record. We are defending the future of our people—especially our young ones. Sabah's future is too important to be handed away,' he said. In a passionate conclusion, Masidi urged unity and focus. 'Let go of petty quarrels. Don't let small conflicts become walls that block big dreams. This is not about individual ambition. This is about ensuring Sabahans remain masters in their own homeland,' he said. 'You are the master. You own Sabah. Not someone else. We, the people of Sabah, must determine our future. No one else,' said Masidi. Gagasan Rakyat lead masidi manjun Sabah state election Sabah Tanah Airku
Borneo Post
20-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah's economic development now on solid foundations
Sabah was named the Most Outstanding State in Malaysia for the Year 2024 in conjunction with the ASEAN International Business Review (IBR) Awards Ceremony organised by IBR at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here on Saturday Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, representing the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor, received the award, which was presented by the Chief Judge of the awards, Datuk Seri Azman Ujang. This recognition was based on an evaluation by a panel of professional judges comprising prominent figures from various fields, supported by data from a comprehensive assessment carried out by expert advisors. KOTA KINABALU (July 20): The present State Government has firmly anchored Sabah's vision and roadmaps for a robust economic development on solid foundations, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor. He said that for the last five years, the State Government has been creating a new Sabah, strong and united, and inviting the world to leverage the state's natural wealth and treasures to build better lives for its people. 'Our riches are manifold – from minerals such as gold, copper, silica, palm oil, cocoa and multiple energy resources such as crude petroleum, gas, hydroelectricity, coal and more. 'Our oceans benevolently give us the abundance of some of the most sought-after seafood delicacies and thermal energy while maintaining pristine and untouched coral reefs,' he said at the International Business Review (IBR) ASEAN Awards at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here on Saturday night. State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun delivered his speech. Hajiji said Sabah had sealed the Commercial Collaborative Agreement with Petronas, allowing the state to have more participation and more say in the oil and gas industry in Sabah itself. 'We now have 50 per cent equity from the Samarang oil and gas field, 25 per cent equity from Samur, and on 17 July 2025, we signed an agreement with Petronas to acquire a 25 per cent equity in the USD3.1 billion floating liquefied natural gas (ZLNG), also known as PFLNG 3, a shore based US$3.1 billion LNG investment in Sipitang,' he said. 'On the investment front, our hard work paid off when Sabah recorded RM17.41 billion from 73 companies in overall approved foreign and domestic investments in the manufacturing sector since September 2020. 'Of these 73 companies, 52 have already set up businesses in the state with a total investment of RM7.8 billion, creating 3,636 jobs,' he said. Between 2022 and 2024, the Chief Minister stated that Sabah has received new investment proposals worth an additional RM42.3 billion, which will create 32,996 jobs. He said the three-phase RM31 billion Esteel Enterprise Sabah Sdn Bhd launched at the end of June this year is set to create a ripple effect extending beyond green technology to spur innovation, drive benefits for businesses and communities in Sabah. Hajiji said that due to high demand from investors, the State Government has approved three new industrial parks in Kota Belud, Beaufort and in the north, Kudat for the Blue Economy Industrial Park – all strategically located to grow investment opportunities. 'We are confident this development bodes well for Sabah as the state progresses in its journey to explore new horizons to realise the state's full potential. 'Sabah will always remain investor-friendly, and we have implemented policies to attract more investors here. We are committed to creating a conducive space that nurtures investments and fosters collaboration. 'We understand the importance of creating a stable, transparent, and supportive environment for investments to flourish,' he said. 'We welcome more direct connectivity so that investors, tourists and business travellers have easy access to Sabah. AirAsia's new Kota Kinabalu-Taipei-Fukuoka route is one example that would benefit both the tourism and investment sectors, and we look forward to many more opening up in the near future,' he said. Hajiji said that one industry that will be a game changer and offer immense investment opportunities for Sabah is the Blue Economy, which has been established in Kudat. 'This sector is estimated to yield 491,000 metric tons of marine harvests such as fish and prawns annually, with a value of RM3.25 billion. But, there is more to Blue Economy than just deep-sea harvesting,' he said. In fact, 14 components of the Blue Economy can be explored, such as renewable ocean energy, blue carbon, tourism, maritime transport, and marine biotechnology, among others, he said. On ocean energy, the Chief Minister said one of the most exciting is the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), which harnesses energy from our oceans. 'OTEC power plants are currently being planned to span 500km of coastline and, in time, to be able to generate 20,000MW of green energy, an unprecedented scale globally. This is not only a gamechanger for the country, it's a gamechanger for the region,' he said. Hajiji said that as far as power supply is concerned, the State Government has launched the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040, which is expected to generate 700MW in the next 1-2 years to meet the needs of investors and citizens. Likewise, he said RM679.85 million has been allocated in 2024 to address immediate water shortages, and long-term plans include the completion of the Ulu Padas hydropower project, which has a daily release capacity of 6,000 million litres of water. Hajiji said Sabah has also invested substantially in human capital development, with close to RM1 billion spent on education as well as on various youth development programmes from 2021 to 2024.
