Hajiji said the Chinese community’s role and contributions are “highly significant” in the state’s development and progress.

“Without your contributions, the state’s economy would not have grown. In fact, the contributions of the Chinese community in Sabah span various fields and sectors.

“In the private sector, Chinese entrepreneurs and traders play leading roles. In the state public service, many officers of Chinese descent hold senior positions in ministries, departments and GLCs.

“Indeed, we acknowledge and appreciate the role and contributions of the Chinese community in our society,” a statement by the chief minister’s department quoted him as saying at an event at Hakka Hall in Kota Kinabalu tonight.

Hajiji said almost all of the advisers he had appointed in the fields of oil and gas, finance, investment, and law are of Chinese descent.

“Most recently, I appointed David Wong Dak Wah, former chief judge of Sabah and Sarawak, to lead the Sabah Law Reform Advisory Council, an independent body established to strengthen the state’s legal system.

“This council reviews outdated laws, proposes relevant, fair and people-friendly reforms, and ensures our administration is aligned with current needs.

“This is how we improve state governance, ensuring that Sabah remains progressive and respected,” he said.

Yesterday, Hajiji said the Sabah legislative assembly would be dissolved before its term expires on Nov 11 to pave the way for a state election.

He stopped short of saying whether the dissolution would be announced next month or in November.