This follows the agreement between Hajiji’s administration and the federal government on April 14 which saw Sabah receive a five-fold increase in its special grant from the previous RM26.7 million.

The increase in the special grant adds to the state’s massive RM5.4 billion revenue in 2021 despite the Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdowns that were imposed to curb the spread of the virus.

“The additional allocations will go straight back to the rakyat,” Hajiji said in his speech at the launch of the Aspirasi Keluarga Malaysia roadshow here today.

The additional funds will go towards the construction of 1,500 Rumah Mesra Sabah Maju Jaya homes, a new initiative by the state government for the poor.

Hajiji also spoke about working with Putrajaya to ensure all Sabahans had access to federal and state government programmes aimed at improving the well-being of the people.

These programmes, he said, could be in the form of mini carnivals at the division and district levels.

“As I always say, the essence of our development agenda must not only be heard but seen and felt by the people at all levels.”

Hajiji added that his administration emphasised inclusivity, in line with Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s Keluarga Malaysia concept.

He said this was very relevant in Sabah where people lived in harmony regardless of race and religion.

“In Sabah, the family institution crosses race, religious and cultural boundaries because the reality is that many Sabahan families are rooted in diversity.”