SANDAKAN: Sabah UMNO has identified four key factors contributing to the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government’s inability to achieve meaningful progress in Sabah.
According to Sabah UMNO Information Chief Datuk Suhaimi Haji Nasir, the first issue is the sluggish pace of infrastructure development.
“GRS has claimed to have addressed numerous legacy infrastructure problems left by prior administrations.
“However, the truth is that many regions in Sabah, particularly rural areas, continue to struggle with fundamental development needs such as roads, access to clean water, and electricity. In fact, the situation appears to be deteriorating,” he stated in a recent announcement.
On the topic of legacy, he noted that several current cabinet ministers were part of the previous Sabah government, including the Chief Minister and Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun. Isn’t this their legacy?
The second issue is the failure to bridge the development gap. The disparity between Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia remains pronounced. Sabah is still one of the most underdeveloped states regarding basic amenities and economic opportunities, with eight districts classified as the poorest.
“Despite this, the Chief Minister proudly declared that Sabah eradicated extreme poverty last August.
“Yet, in a statement made in September 2024, he announced the expansion of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) program aimed at assisting the extremely poor. Does this truly indicate that extreme poverty has been resolved?” he questioned.
Suhaimi expressed concerns about the contradictory statements that could undermine investor confidence both domestically and internationally.
“The third factor is the internal political instability, where GRS leadership has failed to create the political stability needed for long-term progress. There is division among the parties,” he said.
The local agenda under GRS ‘Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga’ emphasizes the empowerment of local parties, yet it misleads the public to protect positions and power.
“This is because the current Sabah government comprises national parties like PKR and DAP,” he stated.
Suhaimi, the Chief Minister and head of GRS, highlighted the necessity for political collaboration with national parties in the upcoming 17th state election, while other GRS component party presidents believe GRS should contest independently.
Suhaimi, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Libaran, pointed out a fourth factor: the failure to drive economic development.
“Under GRS administration, Sabah’s economic growth remains sluggish. This is evidenced by the statement from YB Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi, the Sabah Finance Minister, indicating that as of October 2024, Sabah’s revenue collection is lower compared to last year.
“The rationale provided is that the government’s main revenue relies on crude oil and palm oil production. However, Sabah is rich in other resources that can be developed,” he remarked.
He noted that key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and fisheries have yet to show significant progress. Furthermore, foreign investment has not surged as anticipated, limiting Sabah’s economic potential.
“What has happened to the memorandums of understanding (MoUs) touted by the GRS government, including projects like the Pavilion Harbour City (RM2 billion), Integrated Herbal Plantation, and Lok Kawi Resort City (RM7 billion)?
“Are these MoUs merely rhetoric that fail to benefit the people?
Suhaimi asserted that these failures will only continue to burden the citizens and hinder the state from realizing its true potential.
“In light of these shortcomings, the people of Sabah must be vigilant and not be swayed by empty promises filled with rhetoric, and be prepared to change the government in the upcoming 17th state election to ensure a better future.” he said.
The third factor is the internal political instability, where the leadership of GRS has not succeeded in establishing the political stability necessary for sustained progress. There exists a division among the various parties.
The local initiative under GRS, ‘Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga,’ focuses on empowering local parties; however, it misrepresents the situation to safeguard positions and power.
“This is due to the fact that the current Sabah government includes national parties such as PKR and DAP,” he remarked.
Suhaimi, the Chief Minister and chairman of GRS, emphasised the importance of political cooperation with national parties in the forthcoming 17th state election, while other leaders within GRS believe that the coalition should run independently.
Suhaimi, who also represents the Libaran constituency in Parliament, identified a fourth issue: the inability to stimulate economic development.
“Under the GRS administration, Sabah’s economic growth has been lackluster. This is supported by comments from YB Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi, the Sabah Finance Minister, who noted that as of October 2024, Sabah’s revenue collection has decreased compared to the previous year.
“The explanation given is that the government’s primary revenue sources are crude oil and palm oil production. Nevertheless, Sabah possesses a wealth of other resources that could be harnessed,” he stated.
He pointed out that vital sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and fisheries have not yet demonstrated significant advancement. Additionally, foreign investment has not increased as expected, restricting Sabah’s economic capabilities.
“What has become of the memorandums of understanding (MoUs) promoted by the GRS government, including initiatives like the Pavilion Harbour City (RM2 billion), Integrated Herbal Plantation, and Lok Kawi Resort City (RM7 billion)?
“Are these MoUs simply empty promises that do not serve the interests of the people?
Suhaimi contended that these shortcomings will continue to weigh heavily on the citizens and prevent the state from achieving its full potential.
“In light of these issues, the people of Sabah must remain alert and not be misled by hollow promises,” he added.
