KOTA KINABALU: A leader from Sabah Umno has accused former chief minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal of playing a role behind the state’s water crisis, attributing this to his administration’s choice in 2019 to prematurely end utility concession contracts.
As reported by FMT, Suhaimi Nasir, the information chief of Sabah Umno, stated that Shafie’s decision, made without a definitive replacement strategy, has burdened the state government with RM315 million in compensation payments.
The Libaran MP asserted that this decision has had a direct effect on the citizens, who are now forced to wait with buckets and pails to receive water assistance.
“What is the root cause of this hardship? It is Shafie’s rushed decision in 2019 to terminate six water concessionaires that were managing 58 treatment plants throughout Sabah.
“Consequently, the state was obligated to pay RM315 million in compensation to these companies.
“Was this the action of a prudent leader, or merely a political manoeuvre that ultimately harmed the populace?” he questioned in a statement.
In September of the previous year, Shafie defended his decision, labelling the concession agreements as unjust.
He contended that the action would result in savings of RM685 million over a span of 20 years, despite the RM315 million compensation.
Suhaimi called on the state government to clarify if the compensation has been fully paid and whether Hajiji Noor’s administration is still managing the repercussions of Shafie’s decision.
