Kota Kinabalu: Sabah must receive the RM1.5 billion interim payment for its special grant within this year to address urgent infrastructure needs, said Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Datuk Chin Su Phin (pic).
Welcoming Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement, Chin described the allocation as a positive step towards fulfilling Sabah’s constitutional rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
He said the focus should now be on practical implementation rather than political debate, adding that the interim payment would allow immediate progress on issues affecting Sabahans.
Chin stressed that the allocation must be disbursed this year so that critical infrastructure projects can proceed without further delay.
He cited ageing water infrastructure, deteriorating roads, drainage deficiencies and flood mitigation needs as among Sabah’s most pressing challenges.
According to him, delaying infrastructure investment would only increase future costs and prolong public inconvenience.