SANDAKAN: Whether it is my lack of intelligence or the Chairman of the People’s Power Movement Malaysia (G57), Datuk Zulkarnian Mahdar, is blind or narrow-minded in viewing the development issues in Sabah under the slogan “Sabah Maju Jaya” has achieved its goal, these are two different matters that can be evaluated by the people of Sabah, said Sabah Umno Information chief, Datuk Suhaimi Haji Nasir.
He said that Umno has no intention of politicizing the development issues in Sabah, which is currently under the government of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) with the slogan “Sabah Maju Jaya”, but the current reality is being questioned by the people, whether on social media or in coffee shops.
“I hope that the leaders or supporters of the government will stop this denial syndrome and accept the fact that the people of Sabah are currently grappling with issues such as water, roads, electricity, and the economy.
“Explore every corner of this state, and you will see that this issue is the reality faced by the people at this moment,” he said.
Suhaimi made these remarks when commenting on the statement made by Datuk Zulkarnain Mahdar, who described Suhaimi’s previous media statement requesting the government to explain the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan to the people throughout the more than 4-year implementation period as unwise.
Suhaimi, who is also the Member of Parliament for Libaran, acknowledged that the state government had previously detailed the annual report on the direction of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) plan, but according to him, not everyone can read it even though it was distributed through various media channels, the internet, and so on.
“For the rural population who are not computer literate, they certainly cannot read the report, especially with the lack of widespread broadband access in Sabah, which is one of the reasons for the failure of SMJ and the failure of the people to follow the report,” he said.
Suhaimi emphasized that although the report may appear neatly organized on paper, the actual implementation does not reflect the same level of excellence as the issued report.
The issue of basic infrastructure development needs remains a major and critical concern at present, as it is encompassed within one of the elements of SMJ, namely human capital, public welfare, infrastructure network, and environmental sustainability.
“Looking at the success of SMJ goes beyond just observing the billions of investments pouring into this state. The people want to see it from a broader perspective, including basic infrastructure, economy, and other critical issues that the people are still grappling with. Therefore, if we want to discuss this issue, let it be wise and factual rather than mere flattery, as the people are wise enough to judge,” explained Suhaimi.
Commenting on Zulkarnian’s statement regarding road issues and water supply during Datuk Seri Panglima Bung Moktar Radin’s tenure as Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Works, Suhaimi said that throughout the two years in the Ministry, Bung had done his best with the entrusted responsibility.
Suhaimi said that during Bung’s tenure in the State Ministry of Works, various plans to enhance basic infrastructure facilities had been implemented by him.
However, he emphasized that all decisions, especially in terms of financial allocations, were the responsibility of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, who also held the position of Finance Minister at that time.
“There is no issue of Bung being inactive during his time as Minister of Works. Various plans were proposed to the Government, and efforts were made to visit the ground to personally witness the problems and basic needs required by the people. However, the power to decide on the implementation of proposed development projects falls under the jurisdiction of the Chief Minister,” Suhaimi asserted.
Furthermore, Suhaimi, who is also the Libaran Umno chief added that with the efforts made by Bung, significant progress has been achieved.
