TEKS UCAPAN Y.A.B. DATUK SERI PANGLIMA MUSA HAJI AMAN

KETUA MENTERI SABAH, SEMPENA MAJLIS ANGKAT SUMPAH AJK GABUNGAN DEWAN PERNIAGAAN TIONGHOA SABAH KALI KE-39, PADA 16 JULAI 2012, DI MAGELLAN GRAND BALLROOM, SUTERA HARBOUR RESORT, KOTA KINABALU.

Terlebih dahulu saya merakamkan ucapan penghargaan dan terima kasih kepada Gabungan Dewan Perniagaan Tionghoa Sabah atas jemputan dan penghormatan untuk saya bersama-sama dalam majlis ini. Saya berasa gembira kerana dapat bertemu dan beramah mesra dengan tuan-tuan dan puan-puan pada malam yang penuh bermakna ini.

Syabas dan tahniah kepada pengerusi dan semua ahli persatuan sempena Majlis Angkat Sumpah AJK Gabungan Dewan Perniagaan Tionghoa Sabah kali yang ke-39. Kehadiran kita dalam majlis ini sudah tentu dapat mengeratkan persahabatan dan perpaduan sesama kita, seterusnya membantu meningkatkan ekonomi negeri melalui peranan tuan-tuan dan puan-puan dalam dewan perniagaan ini.

As a chamber of commerce that continues to stand firm in Sabah, it is without doubt that your members have contributed to the local economy and have played a significant role in the growth of the state through your respective business ventures. The Sabah State Government appreciates your contributions and commitment in developing the local economy through various sectors.

Let me assure you that we are a business friendly government. With this pledge, we will continue to work hard in ensuring a conducive investment climate and we will also strive to maintain positive economic growth. This is our commitment to the business community, and this will be done through the implementation of numerous policies and initiatives that are aimed at bringing more development for the people.

Sabah has in recent years seen a number of highly encouraging developments in its economy, and I attribute this to the hard work of the public and private sectors. I am sure most of know by now that in the first quarter of 2012, we managed to attract private investment amounting RM10 billion. This is not something that happens by chance or by fluke. I believe the reasons why we managed to pull in a sizeable investment is because we have a stable, pro business and a government that is careful in its spending.

It also cannot be denied that the economic prosperity we enjoy today is the fruit of political stability and a government administration that strives towards greater efficiency and transparency. These crucial factors are further strengthened with the spirit of unity, cooperation and harmony that exist among our people, who come from diverse backgrounds. Staying united and respecting diversity are a way of life, and are positive traits that are further upheld through 1Malaysia that was introduced by our Prime Minister, Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Razak. Unity through 1Malaysia also helps create a conducive environment for businesses to flourish.

I also wish to share that the government is sensitive to the needs of the people, regardless of religious or ethnic backgrounds. Each year, the Sabah State Government allocates funds to Chinese schools and places of worship in order for these institutions to carry out their activities. It is a fact that we are able to assist the various communities in the state – and this is made possible by our ability to maintain a politically stable government, and one that is always sincere and which commands the undivided support of the people.

I wish to encourage you to increase cooperation with other chambers of commerce, especially those which are based in Sabah. Apart from being able to share experiences and expertise, linking with one another will allow you to strengthen business ties and to expand your networks. This, I am confident, will result in a win-win situation for all chambers of commerce. Cooperation among chambers of commerce is also an essential factor in preparing Sabah to be more competitive in facing regional and global business challenges.

I also wish to urge you to close ranks, and to provide undivided support to government efforts so that we can continue to enjoy political, economic and social stability. The BN government works on consensus. We are open to constructive criticisms, feedback and ideas. Any problems and issues can be brought to the table for discussions. Likewise, this should be the practice of all organisations. Nothing is beyond resolve.

To newly elected committee members, I congratulate you and wish you all the best. It is my sincere hope that the Sabah United Chinese Chambers of Commerce will remain united and grow stronger in years to come, and will help generate greater economic prosperity for Sabah.

Thank you.