As we face a rapidly changing global economic and political environment, it is of utmost importance for us to strategically position ourselves to be competitive in the world market. However, defining our global competitive edge in different markets and product segments require clear development strategies and direction.
The Outline Perspective Plan Sabah (OPPS) is designed to meet this need by providing the framework to transform our economy from one based on the comparative advantage of rich resource endowments to one which creates its competitive advantage through knowledge-intensive industrial clusters driven by indigenous creative capability. It is now clear that a crucial ingredient in a highly competitive economy rests on our ability to undertake process and product innovation. Combined with a good set of basic and specialised infrastructure and a sensible resource conservation programme, we should be able to compete globally in a wide range of goods and services.
In order to create and strike an optimum balance between economic and social goals, the OPPS also provides strategies for poverty reduction through a fair redistribution system based on social justice. This is to ensure that the goal of creating a caring and progressive society can be achieved.
This document should serve as a useful guide for both the public and private sectors in drafting their policies and plans for development in the years ahead. The private sector will be encouraged to take the lead in driving the economy while the government will facilitate private sector's efforts through the provision of basic and higher order infrastructure, increased bureaucratic efficiency, a liberal economy and a stable political environment.
To make it happen, it is important to recognise the fact that more detailed forward planning and action plans need to be developed in the short and medium terms in order to better understand and achieve the development thrusts laid out in the OPPS. Thus, active co-operation and joint efforts between the public and private sectors is necessary. Towards this end, quality, efficiency and excellence must become the hallmark of the people of Sabah. These values will enable us to achieve our goal of creating a diversified, resilient and robust economy.
In the preparation of the OPPS, extensive consultations have been sought from both the public and private sectors. Specifically, I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation to the State Department of Development and the Institute for Development Studies (Sabah) in the preparation of the Plan.
(SALLEH SAID KERUAK)
Chief Minister of Sabah
April 1995