GRS hails award, opposition dismisses it as 'false praise'
Aksyah
KOTA KINABALU (June 13): The 2024 ASEAN IBR Award recognition received by the Sabah State Government has received mixed reactions from political leaders in the state.
Former Sabah Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) deputy liaison chief Aksyah Nasrah has described the recognition bestowed upon the Sabah State Government as a major achievement and clear proof of the success of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) administration.
Aksyah said Sabah's recent announcement as the 'Most Outstanding State Government 2024' by the International Business Review ASEAN Award Secretariat is not only a source of pride but also a strong rebuttal to the persistent negative narrative peddled by the opposition.
'This award proves that claims labelling the GRS-PH Plus government as a 'failed administration' are completely unfounded.
'Instead, it was a team of external professionals that recognised the Sabah Government's current administration as excellent and well-managed,' he said in a statement today.
Aksyah emphasised that under the leadership of the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor, GRS has successfully implemented a wide range of development projects and programmes – both physical and non-physical – which the people are now beginning to enjoy.
Now aligned with and supportive of GRS, he also commended Hajiji's administrative approach, describing it as meticulous, systematic and forward-thinking.
'This success was achieved through a structured and well-planned implementation mechanism. Even problematic inherited projects have been resolved – albeit gradually – but nonetheless successfully,' he added.
He said GRS has not only managed to carry out development efforts, but has also recorded consistent annual growth in state revenue, thanks to sound economic and financial policies that inspire investor confidence.
'I believe that the achievements of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) initiative did not happen by chance. They are the result of stable leadership, consistent policies and a focused administration,' he stated.
Commenting on the opposition's response to the recognition, Aksyah said they are likely to continue denying and casting doubt among the people.
'They will persist in generating negative perceptions because they cannot accept that GRS has succeeded.
However, the people must be wise in their judgement – stability and policy continuity are key to a more prosperous future for Sabah,' he said.
Aksyah also extended his congratulations to Hajiji and the entire state government team on the prestigious recognition, while urging the public to continue supporting the current leadership for the progress of the state.
Suhaimi
Libaran Member of Parliament Datuk Suhaimi Nasir opines that the award is a recognition that not only raises questions but also reflects a deliberate effort to paint a beautiful picture that does not mirror the real conditions faced by the people.
'It must be made absolutely clear that IBR Asia Group is not an independent audit body, not a governance monitoring agency, nor is it a certified institution for assessing government performance. It is a private company offering marketing services, image storytelling, and event management — not credible public policy evaluation. Their expertise lies in crafting perceptions, not uncovering truths. Therefore, the most fundamental question must be asked: on what basis has Sabah been labelled 'most outstanding'?' asked Suhaimi.
He claimed that in reality, Sabah still holds the record as the poorest state in Malaysia.
'Its people struggle daily to access clean water. Electricity supply is frequently disrupted, making life difficult and hampering economic activities. Rural infrastructure is so run-down that getting to schools and clinics remains a daily challenge. Public hospitals are understaffed, and many schools are still in poor condition, unsuitable for learning. At the same time, unemployment in Sabah — especially among youth — remains high, prompting mass migration to Peninsular Malaysia,' he said in a statement today.
He also said that amidst all these hardships, the GRS leadership has not been free from scandal.
'Malaysians — and indeed the international community — have witnessed several key state government leaders being investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). In fact, the Chief Commissioner of MACC himself confirmed that investigations have reached the prosecution stage. These are no longer baseless allegations, but a legal process that is underway. If this is regarded as a symbol of integrity and capable leadership, then clearly the definition of integrity has been distorted.
'A larger question now arises and must be answered urgently by the state government. How much public money has been spent to purchase this beautiful narrative? Who paid for the promotional videos, the lavish award ceremony, the flights, accommodation, and the so-called trophy representing excellence? Was all of this funded with government money? Who approved the spending, and on what justification?' he alleged.
He reminded that the people of Sabah are not foolish.
'They will not be easily deceived by extravagant displays adorned with false praises. The people do not want sugar-coated words while they continue to live in suffering. Sabah does not need expensive and insincere self-praise campaigns. What Sabah needs is tangible action and bold decisions to address the fundamental issues that plague this state,' said Suhaimi.
He also said that the GRS government may continue to build its image on the gala stage, but the people remain in a reality filled with pain and injustice.
'This award will not solve poverty, will not improve hospitals, will not pave roads, and will not restore trust that has been lost due to corruption and weak leadership.
'Sabah does not become outstanding simply because of a trophy on a stage. Sabah will only truly be outstanding when its leaders put the people first, rather than crafting false narratives to salvage their fading image,' he said.
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