‘Proposals must be executed this time’

KOTA KINABALU: The proposals for Sabah in the mid-term review of the 11th Malaysia Plan will help boost the living standards of the people, provided the plans are executed properly, says Upko president Datuk Madius Tangau.

He said it was refreshing to note that special programmes would be implemented for orang asli, and Sabah and Sarawak bumiputra in the rural and remote areas as a mechanism for empowering these minority groups.

“This statement was mentioned in the 8th Malaysia Plan, but not much was achieved then,” Tangau said.

The mid-term review promises to narrow the development gap between states by improving urban-rural linkages, creating economic opportunities and improving infrastructure, such as building 106 telecommunications towers and upgra­ding 400 existing ones.

He said the review would also give priority to issues affecting re­­gional development imbalances, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, including provision of electricity, water and connectivity as well other critical infrastructures including logistics and transportation.