KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Chief Minister and the State Minister of Youth and Sports are urged to provide a transparent explanation on the rationale of the GRS government’s substantial contribution of RM100 million for the SEA Games 2027.
Datuk Suhaimi Nasir, the Sabah UMNO Information Chief, emphasised the importance of a detailed explanation, as this move raises concerns about the priorities of the GRS government, which appears to be seeking cheap popularity while the funds could be better utilised to address the alarming infrastructure issues in Sabah.
As the saying goes, “a monkey in the forest is fed while the child at home starves.” The slogan “Our Home, We Take Care” seems to ring hollow amidst the neglected potholes, disrupted water supply, and insufficient electricity that plague the lives of the people, he said in a statement today.
Suhaimi, who is also the Member of Parliament for Libaran, made these comments in response to Malaysian Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh’s announcement that the Sabah government (GRS) would contribute RM100 million to the SEA Games 2027.
“While we support the intention and collaboration of the Sabah government, this raises serious questions due to the significant amount of the contribution.
“Firstly, what will be the economic and social spillover effects that will benefit the people of Sabah?” he asked.
He pointed out that such a large donation could negatively impact the citizens, who are currently struggling with issues related to clean water supply, electricity, and poorly maintained roads that the Sabah state government has yet to resolve.
Suhaimi also called for clarification on the types of sports that will be hosted in Sabah.
“It raises questions for the people of Sabah, as the Sabah Ministry of Youth and Sports has never fully supported athletes in achieving success, let alone sponsoring sports that have been the hallmark of individual athletes from Sabah,” he said.
Suhaimi stated that the state government is expected to incur significant expenses to upgrade all sports facilities in order to meet the standards required for the Sea Games.
