SANDAKAN: Despite the recognition from the state government for the commendable achievements and successes of the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan (SM), Sabah UMNO Information Chief Datuk Suhaimi Haji Nasir highlighted the challenges faced by some people in Sabah, such as limited access to clean water and frequent power outages.
Suhaimi said he does not care who the current leaders of Sabah are because “they are all former leaders from the BN era; what matters is that they are quick and wise in solving the people’s problems.”.
“For example, in the issue of water supply, eight villages around Batu 10 to Batu 12 in Sandakan have not received clean water supply for over a year; there are pipes but no water. Previously, the residents in that area received regular water supplies.
“Various complaints have been made by the people in that area to the authorities, including the appointed community leaders by the state government, but the problem has persisted since February last year until now. It seems that the local community leaders (community development leaders) are not functioning properly. Complaints have been lodged, but no action has been taken.
“As a representative of the people, I have also raised this water issue in the Sabah State Legislative Assembly (DUN) and in Parliament, but until today, the water pipes in the homes of the residents in that area still do not have clean water,” he said.
Suhaimi was responding to the statement by Gagasan Rakyat Information Chief Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan praising the success of SMJ.
Suhaimi, who is also the Libaran Member of Parliament, said that the implementation of the Pan Borneo project and several water projects such as the Kogopon Water Treatment Plant and Ulu Padas Hydroelectric Project were development projects initiated by the BN government at that time.
“Datuk Nizam was also part of the government back then, and these projects were only continued by the current government. It is not right to take credit for someone else’s work.
“The issue of roads, especially rural and village roads, is still unresolved. Not to mention the condition of some roads, which are like those on the moon. The people are tired of the ongoing issues with water, electricity, and the lack of solutions for the road problems.
“Of course, Datuk Nizam would not admit that Sabah is lagging behind other states in terms of economic progress and infrastructure development.
“Surely, Datuk Nizam would give high credit to the success and achievements of the SMJ Development Plan under the leadership of the Chief Minister, while the people themselves witness the weak administration and management in implementing development projects.
“They have been given full power as the government, with leaders switching sides to defend the Chief Minister. They should carry out their duties to the best of their abilities, instead of blaming others for their failures. If they are unable to serve effectively, it would be better for them to resign,” he said.
Meanwhile, commenting on the recent statement of Datuk Zulkarnian Mahdar, the Chairman of the People’s Power Movement Malaysia (G57), Suhaimi said, as the chairman of an NGO, they should act as a check and balance to the government.
“They should not blindly follow the government without considering the harsh reality faced by the suffering people who lack clean water, have potholed roads that are not maintained, and face ongoing issues with electricity supply and high cost of living in the past two years, he said.
According to him, Zulkarnain should voice out to the government to rectify all weaknesses for the sake of the people of Sabah.
“Do not just look from the government’s perspective only while the people are suffering.
“As a representative of the people, I will continue to play a role in voicing out the issues of the people to the government from various angles, including the issue of poverty in eight districts in Sabah as stated by the Minister of Economy Rafizi Ramli in the Dewan Rakyat,” he emphasized.
Suhaimi explained that the government needs to address basic infrastructure issues comprehensively and the poverty rate in those eight districts is in line with the direction commitment of the SMJ Development Plan.
He urged the state government not to rely solely on federal government allocations but instead take the initiative to use existing financial reserves to improve infrastructure and enhance socio-economic conditions by providing assistance to the people to lift them out of poverty.
