KOTA KINABALU: The reappointment of Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor as Sabah Chief Minister not only indicates the people’s trust in his leadership, but also injects renewed confidence into the state’s direction, says the Malaysia-China-Chamber of Commerce (MCCC)’s Sabah chapter.
Its president, Datuk Dexter Lau, said Hajiji has earned strong confidence from both the public and business community through his steady leadership, open economic vision and pragmatic governance.
“His reappointment not only reflects the people’s trust in his direction, but also injects renewed confidence into Sabah’s economic planning, industrial upgrading and investment climate,” said Lau in a statement on Sunday (Nov 30).
Lau said that during Hajiji’s tenure as chief minister, he has driven a series of key reforms, including enhancing the state’s fiscal autonomy, strengthening coordination with the Federal Government, and advancing negotiations on oil and gas revenue sharing.
He said Hajiji’s reforms have also accelerated infrastructure upgrades, expanding digitalisation, and promoting industrial diversification across agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, logistics, food processing and renewable energy.
“These policies have progressively shaped Sabah into a more resilient and open economic ecosystem,” said Lau.
“Over the past few years, Hajiji has championed Sabah’s economic transformation, expanded investment channels, strengthened inter-state and external cooperation frameworks and improved the overall business environment.
“This enabled Sabah to regain growth momentum quickly in the post-pandemic period. His reappointment is a stabilising factor for the business sector, and it marks a new window of opportunity for future development,” he added.
Lau also said the MCCC Sabah chapter hoped that Hajiji would soon appoint the most capable and professional team, including the new state Cabinet and key officers, to build a more efficient administrative structure for Sabah.
“A strong and competent team will play a crucial role in policy execution, investment facilitation, industrial development and social governance – all will lead Sabah toward another era of progress,” added Lau.
Lau also said Sabah has seen a steady rise in domestic and foreign investment in recent years, including industrial park development, cross-border logistics systems, green economy initiatives, renewable energy projects, downstream oil and gas industries and the introduction of modern agricultural technologies.
All of them, said Lau, were closely aligned with Hajiji’s strategic economic vision.
“A stable administration will further strengthen investor confidence, especially for long-term projects,” added Lau.
Lau said MCCC Sabah chapter would continue fully supporting the state government’s economic direction, and it looks forward to working closely with Hajiji’s team, especially in investment promotion, trade facilitation, cross-border industrial linkages, talent development and SME growth to jointly build a more competitive economic ecosystem for Sabah.
“As Malaysia’s gateway to China and Asean, Sabah holds natural advantages in maritime connectivity, natural resources, food security, palm oil supply chains, seafood exports, cultural tourism and more.
“With Malaysia-China relations continuing to deepen, we believe Sabah is poised to become an indispensable strategic node in regional cooperation,” he said.
Lau added that the rapid growth of business and tourism exchanges between Sabah and China further strengthens Sabah’s potential to emerge as the “Malaysia-China-Asean Strategic Hub”.
“A stable and high-performing administrative team is essential to achieving this vision. From government to industry, everyone needs clear direction and unified momentum – and Hajiji’s continued leadership provides precisely that foundation.
“We look forward to witnessing Sabah’s continued progress under Hajiji’s leadership, especially in economic development, industrial expansion, tourism, education and regional cooperation.
“The business community is optimistic and ready to work hand-in-hand with the state government to elevate Sabah toward greater competitiveness and global relevance,” he said.
“MCCC Sabah once again conveys its heartfelt congratulations to Hajiji and wishes him a successful new term, working together with all stakeholders to advance Sabah’s prosperity, stability and sustainable future,” he added.
