KOTA KINABALU: No single race or ethnic group can resolve the problems faced by the people in the state, says Parti Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
He said all races and ethnic groups need to come together to address Sabah's multiple problems, ranging from basic infrastructure to health and education.
"In Sabah, we cannot rely on one race or ethnic group to solve our problems. If all races unite as a single entity, we can solve the problems together as Sabahans," Shafie said during a meet-the-people session at Sepanggar here on Sunday (Aug 11).
Shafie said Warisan was committed to its multi-racial approach and focused on all ethnic groups, as unity among Sabahans is crucial for real change and development.
He said Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), despite ruling the state for four years, failed to bring about development and broaden investments to create employment for the people.
"Unemployment is growing, and water and electricity problems remain unsolved after four years of GRS," he said.
Speaking to reporters later, he reiterated that Warisan has not forged alliances with any party and preferred to work directly with the people.
"Sabahans must work together to resolve our problems," he said.
He said the state government raised public funds of RM900mil through Sukuk to pay off loans of state companies instead of investing in businesses and industries that could create job opportunities for the locals, who are now leaving the state for employment.
"The state has a budget of over RM6bil. Where is the money going? We still have the same old basic infrastructure problems," he added.
On Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's statement that the federal development expenditure under Budget 2024 was RM16bil, which is more than the 40% revenue return to the state, Shafie said the state's 40% revenue entitlement is guaranteed under the Constitution.
Shafie said he would bring it up in Parliament when Budget 2025 is tabled.
"It is our entitlement under the Constitution. We are not taking other states' money but only asking for our rights. Other states should not be disheartened," he added. – Bernama
