KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (Warisan-Senallang) has questioned a RM210mil additional allocation for government-linked company (GLC) equity investment and RM70.5mil in transport and flight-related expenditure involving Sabah’s top leaders.
The Parti Warisan president asked in the state assembly on Monday (July 20) which GLC would receive the equity injection and what returns it would generate for Sabah.
"Which GLC needs to be assisted? Is this a bailout?" he said in his debate speech as the House considered the RM1.612bil Supplementary Supply Bill 2026.
According to the expenditure estimates, the original allocation for equity investment was RM70mil, with a further RM210mil proposed for a GLC.
Shafie said the government must disclose which company would receive the money, who would decide on the recipient, and what results were expected by next year.
"What is the impact of this investment? Will it generate income for Sabah or job opportunities for Sabahans?" he asked.
ALSO READ: Sabah tables Supplementary Supply Bill seeking RM1.6bil more funding for six key areas
He said some GLCs were already profitable and questioned why further public funds were needed instead of using the money to address water and electricity problems.
He also recalled a plantation-related GLC that bought shares outside its core business, saying this showed why equity injections must be scrutinised.
He also questioned an additional RM4.5mil allocation for transport and logistics involving the Yang di-Pertua Negeri and Chief Minister.
The supplementary estimates showed an original allocation of RM66mil for helicopter and aircraft flight expenditure involving the two state leaders, bringing the total to RM70.5mil.
Shafie said the amount worked out to about RM190,000 a day.
"Every day, we’re spending almost RM200,000," he said.
He also asked state Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun to disclose which company provided the rental services, where the money was channelled, and how frequently the flights were used.
"This is a large amount. Which company owns the rental service and how often are these flights used?" he asked.
ALSO READ: Sabah will seek independent assessor if federal special grant negotiations collapse
Shafie contrasted the RM210mil additional GLC allocation with an additional RM10mil for water concession payments.
The supplementary estimates showed that the water concession allocation would increase from RM100mil to RM110mil.
He said Semporna experienced water disruptions the previous week, forcing some people to buy water delivered by lorries at a cost of hundreds of ringgit.
"Only RM10mil has been added. Is it enough?" he asked.
Shafie said the supplementary allocation must be directed towards the people’s most urgent needs.
"If large amounts can be allocated for transport and GLCs, why are basic facilities such as electricity and water not given the same priority?
"We should not announce various state government initiatives and then make the people pay for them every month through their electricity and water bills," he said.
