KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor says he remains open to constructive views from non-governmental organisations for the benefits of the state and people.

       "As Chief Minister, I am ready to listen to suggestions. I am open in terms of my management of the state.

       "(What is important) we carry out our responsibility as entrusted by the people," he said after meeting pro-state rights group Sabah Action Body Advocating Rights (Sabar) board of trustees chairman Datuk Dr Johan Ariffin.

       "NGOs should be free to express their opinions on matters which are beneficial to the state and the people," Hajiji said after the meeting on Monday (Jan 10) at his office in Menara Kinabalu here.

       The Chief Minister thanked Sabar for offering to help him and the state government in matters pertaining to the environment, tourism, health and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

       Hajiji said the state government had made headway in matters related to MA63, among them the passing of the Federal Constitution Amendment 2021 Bill that reinstates the position of the Borneo states in the Federation.

       Other matters included rights over oil and gas and the state being given the power to issue deep-sea fishing licences.

       "In the context of MA63, we have made good progress," Hajiji said.

       Johan briefed Hajiji on the activities of Sabar, which was established in April last year with a membership of 100 comprising senior members of society including former civil servants.

       Johan said Sabar is a non-political citizens' group concerned with Sabah rights and matters related to MA63 and the group was looking forward to contributing ideas and resources to the state government.