KOTA KINABALU: A Sabah lawmaker has raised concern over the apparent lack of coordination and communication between the Federal and state governments, particularly regarding substantial funding decisions.
Libaran MP Datuk Suhaimi Nasir was referring to reports that the Sabah government is unaware of any plans to pledge RM100mil to co-host the 2027 South-East Asian (SEA) Games.
“This situation not only embarrasses the state government administration but also raises serious concerns about how important decisions involving public fund expenditures can be made without proper coordination and communication,” the Sabah Umno leader said in a statement on Wednesday (Sept 4).
Calling for transparency, accountability and an explanation from the state government over the matter, Suhaimi stressed that funds should be used to improve the infrastructure and living standards of the people of Sabah instead.
“It is essential to ensure transparency and accountability in every decision involving the expenditure of state finances,” he added.
Sabah Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun disclosed that the state government was unaware of any discussion regarding plans to co-host SEA Games.
He also expressed surprise at the announcement made by federal Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh last week that Sabah has pledged RM100mil to support the international sporting event.
Masidi disclosed that he as well as the state government was unaware of the RM100mil pledge.
Yeoh, in her announcement, said that Sarawak and Penang had also agreed to co-host the event, contributing RM300mil and RM15mil, respectively, towards the overall cost of RM700mil.
