'We tackle poverty, not politicise it,' Robert tells Umno Youth

Borneo Post

19-05-2025

Robert Tawik
KOTA KINABALU (May 19): Assistant Works Minister Datuk Robert Tawik has hit back strongly at Umno Sabah Youth chief Sufian Abdul Karim, rejecting claims that the government efforts to assist padi farmers are nothing more than 'empty promises.'
He accused the opposition of weaponising rural poverty for political mileage.
'We don't politicise poverty. We tackle it. While others hold press conferences and throw accusations, we're working with farmers on the ground to deliver actual, measurable improvements,' he said in a statement today.
Sufian had earlier lambasted Robert for allegedly using the plight of farmers to bolster his political standing without offering real solutions — a charge Robert dismissed as baseless and opportunistic.
Robert defended the government's ongoing initiatives, including the RM36 million allocation under IADA Kota Belud, saying that substantial work is already underway.
'That RM36 million is not a prop for headlines. It is already being disbursed for concrete initiatives – from flood mitigation and drainage upgrades to land rehabilitation. These are physical works that farmers can see and benefit from,' he said.
He also pointed out that while critics are quick to throw stones, they often ignore the systemic issues that have long plagued Sabah's padi sector.
'Everyone wants instant results, but we are cleaning up decades of neglect. Fixing broken irrigation systems, reclaiming fallow land and building sustainable farm infrastructure takes time and coordination – not political noise,' he added.
Addressing Sufian's criticism of Sabah's rice self-sufficiency level (SSL), which stands at 22.8% for 2024, Robert said it was dishonest to cherry-pick statistics without context.
'It's misleading to point to SSL as a sign of failure without acknowledging how much Sabah relies on Federal policies and decades of underinvestment. SSL is not a one-man problem and certainly not something fixed with slogans,' he said.
He accused Sufian of trying to rewrite history and deflect from the failures of previous administrations.
'Who was in power when drainage systems failed and land was left idle? Who ignored infrastructure in rural Sabah for years while focusing on grand political shows? We are now paying the price for that neglect,' he said.
Robert also took exception to Sufian's remarks comparing development work to 'launch ceremonies,' calling it an insult to the farmers who partner with the government to improve their livelihoods.
'Don't belittle the farmers by suggesting that all they see are ceremonies. They know what real progress looks like. We are empowering them with better access, better tools and better infrastructure. If you don't see it, it's because you're too busy campaigning,' he said.
Robert called for unity and warned against using farmers as political pawns.
'We are ready to work with anyone who genuinely wants to uplift the farming community – but not with those who see every issue as a photo opportunity or political football. This isn't about who can shout louder, it's about who delivers,' he said.