PIC (Right) Social Activist Mohd Zaki Harry Susanto
BY NT
KOTA KINABALU: The architect of the Malaysia Madani concept, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, appears to have surprised everyone with his no-nonsense approach, especially those who had doubts about his ability to follow through on his promises.
A fortnight ago, the top leader talked openly about trying to solve water problems in Sabah and Kelantan, and seemed sincere in wanting to tackle them.
And at the state-level Kaamatan celebration in Penampang on May 31, the Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to finding a quick fix for the water issue affecting the people of Sabah.
To the delight of the more than 15,000 students, Anwar swiftly approved a RM3 million allocation on the same day to address Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s water problem.
Within a 24-hour period, Anwar announced the much-needed RM320.25 million federal government assistance to help Sabah resolve its water problems.
Anwar made the unexpected disclosure after a Thursday meeting with Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor in Putrajaya.
The speed with which the Prime Minister handled the water crisis in Sabah, according to social activist Mohd Zaki Harry Susanto, was quite impressive.
“We need a leader of this caliber for our country. Our Prime Minister cares about his constituents, and he is aware of the importance of water to human life, ” he told Jesselton Times.
Zaki said that Sabahans should be grateful for the Prime Minister’s prompt action in easing the burden on the populace and that the onus was now on the Sabah government to deliver the goods.
He was certain that Sabah’s water crisis would eventually be resolved, thanks to strong relations between the federal and state governments.
In addition to the water problem, Zaki claimed that Anwar played a crucial role in facilitating the reestablishment of the 1963 Malaysian Agreement, particularly the restoration of Sabah and Sarawak as equal partners with Peninsular Malaysia.
Zaki claimed that despite reports to the contrary, “Sabah is still demanding the 40% net revenue derived from the state by the federal government.”
He expressed confidence that an amicable solution to this dispute in favour of this state is just a matter of time.
“I think that what was impossible before might be possible in the future if Sabahans can join hands and work together,” he added.
