KOTA KINABALU: Despite issues and challenges faced in the previous Malaysia Plans, the Sabah government is confident that the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) will address matters vital to the state.

       Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said that among issues faced by Sabah during the past Malaysia Plans were the lack of basic infrastructure, imbalanced development and ineffective delivery of public services.

       "Taking into account all the issues and challenges, the state government is in full support of the Federal government listing the enhancement of socioeconomic development in Sabah and Sarawak as one of the main agendas.

       "The priorities include strengthening infrastructure provision, optimising economic potential, improving the access to social services, improving inclusive development as well as strengthening state and federal agencies’ cooperation," he said.

       Hajiji said this after the post-12MP roadshow engagement with the state government, organised by the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) from the Prime Minister's Department on Saturday (Oct 30).

       He therefore urged the state ministries and agencies to focus on the five priority areas.

       At the same time, he said Sabah hoped that the Federal government would continue to give attention to the state's progress inclusively.

       "This includes bigger allocations in future to execute various high-impact development projects to stimulate economic growth and improve the welfare of the people here," he added.

       On the roadshow, Hajiji said it was a chance for policies and strategies under 12MP to be briefed to stakeholders in Sabah, as well as for the state government to give feedback.

       The state government also gave assurance of giving full support so that 12MP programmes could be carried out successfully.