KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said no forces  with ill intent can break Sabah as long as the people are united.  

"As Chief Minister, I am committed to seeing our beloved Sabah remain united,  prosperous, and inclusive. We are strong only when we are united.  

"No forces with ill intent can break us as Sabahans. United, we will be able to withstand  any attempts to undermine stability and to ensure that development can proceed  unhindered," he said in his New Year 2024 message. 

"I am touched and grateful to the people and all like-minded supporters who have stood  by us, believing in our sincerity to do what is best for Sabah.  

"Let us put politics aside and discard any divisiveness that will only pull us apart. We  must forge forward into the new year with resolve, united in diversity, and committed to  doing good in accordance with the mandate given to us by the rakyat," he said. 

With the people's support, the Chief Minister said that the State Government had made  good strides in progressing its development plan, the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ). 

"As we enter the New Year, it is time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the  new year with hope and optimism. Despite challenges (in 2023), we have been steadfast  in implementing the SMJ agenda and staying on course to see it through. Our  commitment to growth remains unwavering," he said. 

Hajiji said the recently passed State 2024 Budget, amounting to RM5.701 billion, was a  testament to the State Government's commitment to drive economic growth and  development in Sabah.  

"We have set our sights on the many opportunities the state can leverage in all sectors.  We will continue to build on our successes and pursue new investment opportunities to  create economic spin-offs and create jobs for the people," he said. 

However, he said all these successes and plans will account for nothing without the  combined efforts and commitment of all as well as a conducive environment to pursue  our development goals. 

The Chief Minister thanked his Cabinet colleagues, civil servants and the people of  Sabah for their continuous support and wishes everyone a happy and prosperous new  year. 

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