MEMBAKUT: The Federal Government must explain why rural road projects in Sabah were cancelled, who ordered the decision and what will happen to the affected projects, said Upko Kimanis division chief Rowindy Lawrence Odong.
She said clear answers were needed as rural communities depended on these roads to reach schools, healthcare facilities, workplaces and other essential services.
Rowindy said the public deserved to know the actual status of the affected projects, particularly whether they would be reinstated, retendered or carried forward for implementation.
The issue comes amid concerns raised in Parliament over the cancellation of rural development projects in Sabah and Sarawak. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi recently confirmed that some affected projects included those for which Letters of Acceptance (SST) had already been issued.
“Sabahans have the right to know what actually happened. What was the reason for the cancellation of the projects? Who made the decision?” Rowindy said in a statement.
She supported questions raised by Deputy Chief Minister and Penampang MP Datuk Ewon Benedick, including the call for clarification on who had ordered the cancellation of the affected rural road projects.
Ewon had raised concerns in Parliament over the cancellation of rural road tenders in Sabah and sought clarification on whether the projects would be carried forward to the following year.
Parliamentary records show he also proposed stronger mechanisms to monitor the implementation of development projects and budget allocations in Sabah.
Rowindy said the issue should be addressed by putting the interests of rural residents first, particularly those who continue to depend on safer and better road access.
Rowindy also backed Ewon’s proposal for the establishment of a Special Budget Implementation Monitoring Committee in each State, involving Members of Parliament who are not members of the administration.