KOTA KINABALU: The State Government held high the commitment of the Sabah  Council of Datuks (MDNS) to complement efforts to improve the people's well-being  under the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya development aspirations. 

"The State Government values MDNS's commitment and that of like-minded  organisations to complement its efforts. I am hopeful that MDNS's efforts to make a  difference will continue to make a lasting impact on the wider community," said Chief  Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor. 

The Chief Minister was speaking at the Patron's Night organised by MDNS in conjunction  with the 70th official birthday of the Head of State, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, at Magellan  Sutera last night. 

Deputy Chief Minister I/Agriculture, Fishery and Food Industry Minister Datuk Seri  Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan delivered his speech. 

"I am also heartened to know that MDNS is setting up a pilot project on organic farming  under its Community Social Responsibility (CSR) to assist the villagers in Kampung  Purak in Papar in learning and acquiring skills in organic farming. 

"It will not only be an asset to them but will eventually assist them to generate income  and self-sufficiency for the villagers as mentioned by Datuk Claudius Roman (MDNS  president) in his speech," he said.  

Despite being a small non-governmental organisation, the Chief Minister was also  pleased to know that the MDNS has been active for the past few years, carrying out  activities to help communities in need, including community work during the challenging  Covid-19 pandemic.  

"Your efforts in lifting the plight of those in need are commendable. You have reached  out to orphans, the youth and seniors, victims of fire, Henry Gurney School, prison  inmates, the visually impaired in our society, the unemployed youths, the villagers and  communities by donating financial aid, food, health services, clothes, shoes and  materials in the interiors and also in giving opportunities to the less fortunate to assist  them in moving forward in their lives. 

"By putting plans to action, MDNS has truly exemplified the power of commitment,  dedication and teamwork," he said. 

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