By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s progress cannot be measured by physical development alone, but also by the integrity and responsibility of its people.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said lessons from the life of Prophet Muhammad SAW showed that society must be developed comprehensively, with justice at the foundation of communal life.
He said the concept of rahmatan lil ‘alamin brought by the Prophet encompassed justice, trustworthiness and respect for human dignity.
“The Prophet demonstrated that the strength of leadership lies not merely in authority, but in the ability to build trust, uphold justice and bring benefits to society,” he said in his speech at the Sabah-level Maulidur Rasul SAW celebration 1448H/2026M at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) yesterday.
Hajiji said the State Government remained committed to ensuring development benefited communities in both urban and rural areas.
“We want to build a state that is not only advanced economically and in terms of development, but also has a society with strong moral values, high integrity and close bonds among its people,” he said.
“For civil servants, trust must be translated into efficient, transparent and high-integrity service delivery.
“For leaders, trust means placing the interests of the people as the priority, while for society, it is reflected through responsible conduct, respect for the law and working together to preserve peace and harmony in the state,” he said.
Hajiji said Sabah must continue to preserve its diversity as a strength.
“I call on all the people to continue safeguarding the spirit of unity and harmony that has long been Sabah’s strength,” he said.
He said peace and stability were essential for development.
He said the younger generation must not be sidelined in determining the future of the state as they face rapid developments in technology, artificial intelligence, information and social change.
He said young people must be equipped with education, skills, a strong sense of identity and good character, while using social media and digital technology to acquire knowledge, improve productivity and spread beneficial content.
“We must avoid the culture of spreading unverified information, slander, insults and content that can damage morals and relationships within society,” he said.
Hajiji accompanies Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman at the State-level Maulidur Rasul SAW celebration.
