KOTA KINABALU: The termination of concessions for companies managing water treatment plants by the previous Parti Warisan government is the reason for Sabah's current water woes, claims Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The Sabah Chief Minister said the Opposition was not telling the full story and placing the blame on the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)-Pakatan Harapan Plus government for the state's current water woes.
He said the state government was also forced to pay out about RM315mil compensation due to lawsuits by nine companies as the Warisan government terminated their services shortly after coming into power in 2018.
"They just terminated the nine concessionaires without basis," he said when opening the Pitas division annual meeting of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) on Monday (Sept 23).
Hajiji, who is Gagasan Rakyat president, alleged that the Warisan government appointed inexperienced new companies.
"These new companies failed to properly manage the state's water supply," said Hajiji.
He also said he was advised to terminate the Warisan-granted contracts when GRS took over in September 2020 but decided against it as it would further burden the state and pay more compensation.
Hajiji also urged Gagasan Rakyat members to prepare for state elections that could be called early.
"The Sabah Election is due in September next year, If I think we should hold it early, then it will be held early. Just be prepared," he said.
