Latest news with #Loretto
Borneo Post
26-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Warisan calls for Cabinet White Paper on underperforming GLCs
Loretto KOTA KINABALU (May 26): Parti Warisan has called for greater transparency and accountability in the management of government-linked companies (GLCs) and state agencies in Sabah, proposing the tabling of a Cabinet White Paper in the State Legislative Assembly if given the mandate to govern. Warisan Secretary-General Datuk Loretto Padua Jr. said the party is aware of growing discussions among stakeholders regarding the underperformance of Sabah's GLCs, which have failed to meet the objectives for which they were established. 'We welcome any effort to improve and enhance the performance of GLCs in Sabah because they have a responsibility to assist the State Government. This includes contributing through annual dividend payments and helping stimulate economic activities in the state,' he said in a statement today. However, he stressed that meaningful reform must begin with transparency. 'Before any form of empowerment is introduced, the government should issue a Cabinet White Paper on underperforming GLCs and problematic state agencies, and table it at the State Legislative Assembly,' he said. Loretto explained that such a move would allow the people of Sabah including NGOs, students, academics, economists, business associations and the general public to understand the real reasons behind the failures of these entities, and the corrective measures that will be taken. 'Transparency is important because the best watchdogs in this state are the people of Sabah themselves not those appointed by the Chief Minister from the ruling party or coalition,' he added. He also said that the presentation of a White Paper would demonstrate the government's genuine commitment to reform, aligning with the findings of the National Audit Department as highlighted in the annual Sabah Audit Report. 'It must not be a matter of issuing statement after statement to cover up poor governance,' said Loretto. He further called for the National Audit Committee to investigate troubled GLCs to prevent ongoing financial leakages. 'Given the current economic challenges, the government must practise prudent spending, and all unnecessary overseas trips should be stopped immediately.' Loretto outlined that if Warisan returns to power, it would table the Cabinet White Paper within six months, covering key issues including: · RM5 billion in non-performing loans borne by Sabah Development Bank (SDB) and the existence of 'creative accounting' practices; · The cancellation of land concessions previously held by Sabah Forest Industries (SFI), now awarded to three Peninsular Malaysia-based companies; · The worsening water and electricity supply crises in Sabah, including alleged overcharging by water lorry contractors; · The RM1.2 billion debt bailout of Sabah International Petroleum (SIP) through the issuance of RM900 million Sukuk Wakalah by SMJ Energy Sdn. Bhd.; and · Other matters raised by Warisan and the opposition that remain unanswered by the current GRS/PH administration.
The Star
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Warisan calls for White Paper, audit on Sabah GLCs
KOTA KINABALU: Warisan is urging the Sabah government to table a Cabinet-level White Paper to address the underperformance of several government-linked companies (GLCs) and state agencies in Sabah. Warisan secretary-general Datuk Loretto Padua Jr the White Paper would allow concerned Sabahans to know what led to the underperformance and what the state government plans to do about it. He added that transparency is needed, saying: "The best watchdogs in this state are the people of Sabah themselves, not those appointed by the Chief Minister from the ruling party or coalition." "Prudent spending must be emphasised and all unnecessary overseas trips must be stopped immediately," he said in a statement on Monday (May 26) adding that if Warisan was given the mandate to govern, they would table a White Paper in the State Assembly within six months. He said the White Paper would address matters such as the RM5bil in non-performing loans at Sabah Development Bank and its use of "creative accounting"; the cancellation of Sabah Forest Industries concession land and its reallocation to peninsula-based companies; the water and electricity supply crises including exorbitant charges by private tanker contractors; and the RM1.2bil bailout of Sabah International Petroleum via a RM900mil Sukuk Wakalah issuance by SMJ Energy Sdn Bhd. It would also cover unresolved GLC-related issues previously raised by Warisan and other Opposition parties, which Loretto said were never addressed by GRS-Pakatan Harapan in the state assembly. He also said Warisan would also push for detailed investigations by the National Audit Committee into all problematic state agencies and GLCs. "I believe that a Cabinet White Paper and National Audit Committee investigations are the first steps towards improving the performance of GLCs and state agencies," he said.
The Star
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Warisan to go solo in polls
KOTA KINABALU: Parti Warisan has confirmed that it will contest the coming 17th Sabah state election on its own without alliances or deals with other parties. Warisan secretary-general Datuk Loretto Padua Jr, who disclosed this, said the party would contest using its own logo and had no intention of forming any political pact. He said talk that Warisan was joining Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) or making 'backdoor deals' was completely false. 'These are lies being spread deliberately on social media to confuse and mislead the public,' he said in a statement yesterday. Loretto said Warisan's only alliance is with the people of Sabah and that it will continue fighting for their rights and future. 'We will not be a part of the ongoing political games. Our focus is on issues that matter, such as the rising cost of living, water and power disruptions, jobs and fair control over our own resources,' he said. Loretto said he was disappointed that the office of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri had been dragged into the political mud. 'The TYT is above politics and must be respected. Do not use the TYT for political gain,' he added. He urged Sabahans to stay focused and not be misled by distractions. 'The coming election is about choosing leaders who truly care about Sabah, not those who engage in political games,' he said. He said Warisan has consistently remained the sole opposition party in Sabah and believed that forming coalitions was not the solution. 'The way forward is a firm, people-based movement that puts Sabah first. We will continue to work with the people, not political elites,' he added.
Daily Express
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Warisan not joining any coalition
Published on: Thursday, May 22, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 22, 2025 Text Size: Loretto stressed that Warisan's only alliance is with the people and the party would not take part in 'ongoing political games.' Kota Kinabalu: Parti Warisan said the people should not be swayed by political rumours and distractions ahead of the 17th State election. Its Sec-Gen Datuk Loretto Padua Jr said recent rumours claiming that Warisan is joining Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) are aimed at distracting voters from core issues such as the rising cost of living, persistent water and electricity problems, job opportunities and Sabah's control over its own resources. He said the party remains committed to contesting the election independently, using its own logo, and has no plans to join any political coalition. 'Warisan is focused on preparing for the coming State election. We are not aligning with GRS or making deals behind closed doors. These are lies being spread deliberately on social media to confuse and mislead the public,' he said, in a statement. He stressed that Warisan's only alliance is with the people and the party would not take part in 'ongoing political games.' 'Our fight is for the rights and future of Sabahans. This election is about choosing leaders who truly care about Sabah, not those who play political games,' he said. Advertisement According to him, Warisan has consistently remained as the sole opposition party in Sabah. And coalition is not the solution because the way forward is a firm, people-based movement that puts Sabah first. 'We will continue working with Sabahans and not political elites,' he said. He also voiced disappointment that the Head of State (TYT) institution has been dragged into the political rumours. 'The TYT is above politics and must be respected. Do not use the TYT for political gain,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Warisan reiterates going solo, using own logo
Loretto Padua KOTA KINABALU (May 21): Parti Warisan (Warisan) has once again stressed that it will contest the 17th state election independently, using their own logo. Its Secretary-General, Datuk Loretto Padua Jr, said Warisan is focused on preparing for the elections and is not aligned with any political coalition. He said that rumours claiming that Warisan is joining GRS or making deals behind closed doors are false. 'These are lies being spread deliberately on social media to confuse and mislead the public,' he said in a statement on Wednesday. Loretto asserted that the party's stance is clear and that Warisan's only alliance is with the people. 'We will not be part of the ongoing political games. Our fight is for the rights and future of Sabahans. 'These stories are created to distract voters from the real issues of rising cost of living, water and electricity problems, job opportunities and fair control over our own resources,' he said. Loretto also expressed his disappointment that the institution of the Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah or TYT was dragged into these political rumours. 'The TYT is above politics and must be respected. Don't use the TYT for political gain,' he said. He said that party calls on the people of Sabah to stay focused and not be fooled. 'The coming election is about choosing leaders who truly care about Sabah and not those who play political games. 'Warisan has been consistent as the only opposition party in Sabah. Coalition is not the solution because the way forward is a firm, people-based movement that puts Sabah first. We will continue working with Sabahans and not political elites,' he said. The five-year term of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly, which will automatically dissolve on November 11, began with the first sitting and official opening of the Sabah assembly after the 16th Sabah state election, officiated by the 10th Sabah Chief Minister, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, on November 12, 2020. The dissolution of the 16th Sabah assembly will pave the way for the 17th Sabah state election to be held.
