KOTA KINABALU: Despite tabling a record-breaking RM6.4bil budget for 2025, the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah government has come under fire for failing to address worsening poverty, unemployment, and infrastructure issues in the state.
Parti Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (pic) criticised the government for making big promises without delivering real change to the people.
"Sabah is still the poorest state in Malaysia. Eight of the ten poorest districts in the country are here," he said in a statement on Wednesday (May 11).
Shafie warned that the state’s budget might not hold up as it relies too heavily on oil revenue, projecting earnings based on a US$76 per-barrel price, while the current price is about US$60.
"If it stays that low, Sabah could lose hundreds of millions of ringgit. If that happens, what is GRS going to do? How will they ensure there is still money for schools, clinics, and roads in rural areas?" he asked.
He said that unemployment in Sabah remained high, with a rate of 7.9% at the end of 2024, the worst in the country, affecting more than 170,000 people.
"Even those with jobs are earning very low wages. Half of Sabah’s workers take home less than RM2,000 a month," he added.
Shafie highlighted the rising cost of food and its impact on families, especially children, stressing that one in four children in Sabah under the age of five is stunted due to poor nutrition and healthcare.
He questioned the allocation of government funds, asking, "Is it really being used to help the people, or is it being wasted or taken by others?"
Shafie also addressed recent corruption cases, including a school principal allegedly making false claims for RM85,000 and two officers suspected of taking bribes worth over RM600,000.
He described the education system in Sabah as broken, with many teachers afraid to speak up.
He criticised the GRS government for excessive spending on events, banners, and lucky draws to appear popular.
"Millions are spent on publicity, while our roads are full of potholes, the electricity keeps going out, and prices keep going up. People are suffering.
"This is not real progress; it is a failure of planning and leadership. The people of Sabah deserve better," he stressed.
Shafie said Warisan aims to work with the people to build a better future, stating, "We want a government that is responsible, honest, and puts Sabahans first."
