01/01/2013 (Bernama) - Sabah is right on track to gain further growth and progress and a sustainable economic development, having recorded numerous achievements and successes in various areas under its development agenda.

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the various initiatives taken by the government were beginning to bear results including the Economic Transformation Programme and the Government Transformation Programme which has entered its second phase of implementation.

"With its focus on the main sectors of oil and gas, palm oil and tourism, Sabah is on the right track to achieve a solid and sustainable economy," he said in his message for the 2013 New Year.

Musa, who is also State Finance Minister, said the government had made great efforts to carry out a balanced development without sacrificing the ecosystem, biodiversity or culture of the state.

"Besides that, we have also actively pursued various initiatives and steps to narrow the development gaps and poverty rate between the urban and rural areas. These have included providing as well as upgrading infrastructures, education projects, health as well as community development projects so that the people could enjoy a higher quality of living," he said.