Bung: Give Sabah autonomy to spend 12MP allocation

KUALA LUMPUR: Give Sabah autonomy on how it should spend the allocation under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), says Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.

"We have to change the approach of how we develop the states and regions.

"A good plan that is not executed well ends up becoming a very bad plan.

"I ask on behalf of the state government, give Sabah autonomy on how to manage the funds so that we can be taken out of poverty," he said when debating the 12MP in Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Oct 4).

He lamented that Sabah has the highest rate of poverty in the country despite years of so-called development.

"Governments come and go, but Sabah still remains poor.

"What has happened?" he said.

He suggested that the annual allocation for Sabah should be channelled to the state government to allow it to decide where the money should be spent on for development.

On a separate issue, Bung Moktar questioned if the MySejahtera app will be used in the coming general elections, as it could affect voters.

"Will the MySejahtera be used as a means to verify voters in the next general election?" he asked.

He raised the question in reference to the MySejahtera app being used by commercial and eateries to deny entry to patrons who do not possess the digital certification.

"Some 40% of those vaccinated have no handphones and they have been denied entry into shops and eateries," he said.

He noted that there are families who aren't able to afford expensive smartphones but rely on cheap RM100 handphones.

He suggested that the relevant ministry issue a clear explanation on the matter to avoid confusion among the public.