Najib confident Sabah can achieve more rapid development in next 50 years

Najib, who regarded Sabah as 'always close to his heart', said such success could be achieved if the people continue to elect a state government which was the same as the federal government.

"If we are successful for 50 years in bringing Sabah until today, we endeavour that 50 years from now (Sabah) will be greater. This is our promise at this historical celebration which is very well received by the people.

"We pledge to the people of Sabah which is part of Malaysia to continue to defend the independence of Sabah so that every inch of this land will achieve development.

"We pledge that we will be together for the next 50 years. Sabah will change in appearance and Malaysia will achieve a developed nation status in seven years and we hope Sabah too will become a developed state," he said in his speech when launching the Malaysia Day and 50-year of Sabah Independence in Malaysia celebration at Prince Philip Park, Tanjung Aru here Monday night.

Najib, who is also Finance Minister, said although development will take time due to Sabah's huge size, the Barisan Nasional (BN) government would endeavour to look after the wellbeing of the people.

He stressed that the BN government would work hard to achieve progress and realise its promise and best direction for the people of Sabah which supported BN in the 13th general election.

Earlier, the Prime Minister opened the Tanjung Aru Ecodevelopment and launched the 50-year gold coin in conjunction with the 50th Malaysia Day.