Shafie demands transparency and accountability for supplementary budget

Borneo Post

3 days ago

Shafie
KOTA KINABALU (July 7): Senallang assemblyman Datuk Seri Panglima Mohd Shafie Apdal has questioned the State Government's Supplementary Supply Bill 2025, which seeks an additional RM1.19 billion for 53 expenditure heads, raising serious concerns about Sabah's spending priorities and financial transparency.
'After listening to the presentation, I am genuinely concerned about what is happening in Sabah. Nearly RM6.7 billion has already been spent under the 2025 budget. With the additional funding, we are looking at over RM8 billion in total — and all within a short period,' Shafie said when debating the bill in the State Assembly today.
He pointed out that while the State Government is seeking more funds, it has not disclosed how much revenue has been collected, raising questions about a widening fiscal deficit.
'Clearly, the Sabah State Government is now facing a significant deficit. The State has incurred debt through SMJ, with RM900 million in Sukuk issued to repay Sabah International Petroleum Sdn Bhd — a private entity that is now state-owned. This is essentially a bailout,' he claimed.
Shafie clarified that he does not oppose supplementary budgets in principle but stressed the need for funds to be allocated efficiently and transparently.
'Are these expenditures creating job opportunities? Are they generating returns? Every ringgit must bring results — not just in terms of state revenue, but by solving the rakyat's problems.'
He cited the ongoing water crisis as a basic issue still unresolved, pointing out that even university students are affected.
'Imagine a child pleading with their father: 'We want water — to drink, to use the toilet.' These are real cries from the rakyat. Instead of solutions, those who speak out are detained. This is not a political game — it's a humanitarian issue,' he said.
Shafie also scrutinised allocations under the development budget, questioning a RM1 billion provision under the Chief Minister's Department and nearly RM100 million under 'Special Duties' tied to the Deputy State Secretary.
'In my 36 years in politics, I have never seen such a large amount allocated under this category. When I asked for clarification, I was told it might be for schools or students — but we need details. I will demand an audit. If there is a change of government, I will ensure action is taken on any abuse or leakage. This is the rakyat's money,' he said.
He also criticised the minimal allocations for critical needs — only RM500,000 each for rural water and electricity — compared to RM26 million under 'Special Expenditures'.
'Where is the rest going? Ceremonies, events, lucky draws? I've seen millions spent on such things, while people in rural areas are still using tube wells.'
Shafie emphasised that the issue is not about rejecting initiatives but ensuring that public funds are spent based on real needs and with full accountability.
'RM500 million has been allocated for road resurfacing — yet our roads are still riddled with potholes,' he added.
Referring to economic performance data, Shafie said Sabah recorded the lowest GDP per capita growth between 2023 and 2024. He urged civil servants to play their role in preventing leakages and ensuring proper planning.
He also questioned why Sabah is not fully accessing its rightful share of national revenue, such as oil royalties, and asked if the State Government is making sufficient requests from the Federal Government.
'Why are we not claiming what is rightfully ours — our oil and gas wealth? We should collaborate with Indonesia on shared interests, but what is Sabah's downstream strategy? We cannot let everything be controlled by Petronas,' he said.
On broader policy planning, Shafie asked what Sabah is preparing for under the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13).
'We must learn from past mistakes, like with the Ambalat issue. When I was in the Federal Government, we raised matters involving Sipadan, Ligitan, and our oil and gas rights. Putrajaya is far from Semporna — we must defend what belongs to Sabah.'
Despite health issues, Shafie said he would continue to scrutinise the bill out of responsibility to the people.
'I've been advised by my doctor to rest, but I refuse — because saving Sabah and serving our rakyat is more important,' he said.