Kota Kinabalu: The State Government must explain how it plans to spend the mid-year supplementary budget, especially when longstanding issues remain unresolved, said Moyog Assemblyman Datuk Darell Leiking.
He said the revised allocation under the Chief Minister’s Office for temporary Community Development Leader Unit (UPPM) appointments amounts to RM24 million, an increase of RM13 million from the previous figure.
“That’s a lot of money, and it needs to be justified in writing,” he said when debating the Supplementary Supply Bill 2025 tabled by State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun at the State Legislative Assembly.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});He directed sharper criticism at the State’s water supply problems, pointing to the Telibong II Water Treatment Plant as a key example.
“Although the plant was reportedly completed two or three years ago, the contract for the piping works was only issued last year and they are still ongoing.
“That means the water crisis isn’t due to infrastructure limitations, but administrative delays,” he said.
“Ordinary people are the ones left dealing with the consequences.”
He suggested the delays might stem from internal disputes, comparing the situation to the stalled Pan Borneo Highway project where contract and political issues were widely blamed.
“Is this another case of political interference over contracts? If that’s what’s happening here, then the public is being short-changed,” Darrell said.
He also raised concern over the RM5.87 million allocation for official air transport for the Head of State and Chief Minister.
Instead of relying on State-funded flights, he said the Government should opt for more economical alternatives, citing his experience as former Minister of International Trade and Industry (Miti).
“I used travel warrants and credit cards. We booked online and saved tens of thousands on each trip,” he said.
He noted that business class flights from Kuala Lumpur to London could cost up to RM50,000 through official channels, while online bookings could bring the cost down to RM15,000 or less.
“This is not about comfort, it’s about responsibility,” he said.