Kota Kinabalu: Sabah has received a large chunk of allocations to reduce poverty and improve livelihoods, but the people don’t seem to feel, enjoy and see it, said Appointed Assemblyman Datuk Raime Unggi.
He cited various initiatives that were announced, such as the Rahmah Cash Contribution (MySTR), but questioned how many people were actually being assisted.
“In addition, I heard there was a big allocation of RM500 million from the Federal Government to implement the Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat (IPR) programme for the whole country and Sabah,” he said during the debate on the Sabah Government’s policy speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting.
The Federal Government has also introduced the Madani community programme, allocating RM1 billion to provide grants between RM50,000 and RM100,000 to carry out the programme, he said.
SPONSORED CONTENT Sabah revenue hits RM6.97 billion: Hajiji says GRS State Government may see full term Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government continued its momentum in managing the economy in line with the commitment and spirit of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) when it posted record high state revenue of RM6.973 billion last year. Read more “I understand that the Federal Government has also allocated a development allocation of RM229.7 million to finance the Sabah Natives Special Programme (PKAN) under the 12th Malaysia Plan.
“I hope the State Government is aware of and involved in this matter. Among the PKAN projects I am aware of are the construction of the Native Court, surveying of native customary rights land and human capital development,” he said.
“I heard that RM30 million has been allocated for the development of human capital to meet the demand in the agriculture and tourism industry.
“But to what extent has the State Government actually achieved the goals set for these targeted citizens?” he asked.
He also questioned whether the State Government is “close with the people”.
“Sometimes I also wonder whether the allocation of RM6 billion in each budget, financial aid and development programmes provided is really insufficient, or whether there is wastage or mismanagement occurring?” he said.
For example, he said the Federal Government has now provided special grants amounting to RM300 million to Sabah and Sarawak based on Article 112D of the Federal Constitution.
“Through this allocation, Sabah also has autonomy power to implement projects such as the Pan Borneo Highway, granting authority for development projects below RM50 million, transferring power for electricity maintenance starting January 3, 2024, and appointing the Chief Minister to the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia Committee,” he said.
“My main question is Sabah’s backwardness should no longer be discussed. Sabah needs to be lifted out of poverty,” he stated.
For instance, since March 1, 2023, when authority for projects under RM50 million was devolved, who has been awarded such projects and, if possible, the list of companies involved, he asked.
He asked the State Government to what extent the economic empowerment and socio-economic improvement of the people of Sabah have been effectively achieved, including under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“As we know, a Task Force and Technical Committee for this purpose have been established by the Sabah and Sarawak Affairs Division, Prime Minister’s Department since March 10, 2020.
“Certainly, matters related to oil royalties and cash payments, oil and gas minerals and fields, as well as the Territorial Sea Act 2012 [Act 750] and state rights over continental shelves, have new formulas been developed to enhance the state government’s capabilities. I request clarification on this,” he said.
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