Speaking in Kunak yesterday, Nilwan said rapid development had occurred in both rural and urban areas across Sabah.
“The chief minister is sincere and honest, and no one can dispute the fact that he is very capable in managing the state and safeguarding the interests of the people,” he said in a report by Sabah Times.
Adding that Musa’s critics were “consumed with jealousy”, Nilwan, who is also Kunak assemblyman, said the people in his constituency would continue giving their undivided support to the chief minister.
Musa, Sabah’s 14th chief minister, came into office in 2003. He is also the state’s finance minister and Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) liaison chairman.
Sabah has had a surplus annual budget for 16 straight years.
The 2018 budget of RM4.1 billion, announced on Nov 17, is a surplus of RM64.89 million from its total revenue and double the surplus announced last year.
Musa said the theme of the 2018 budget clearly showed it was for the people’s benefit.
“Revenue collected by the government each year will be channelled back to the rakyat for their benefit.
“The 2018 budget surplus will form part of our reserves to meet future expenses,” he said.
Last month, meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Abdul Rahman Dahlan said the incidence of poverty in all states had declined, but most significantly in Sabah where the rate fell from 4% in 2014 to 2.9% in 2016.
“This success reflects the unshakeable commitment and efforts by both the state government under Chief Minister Musa Aman and the federal government.
“The strength of their close relationship has delivered positive results for the people of Sabah.”