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Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
PBS stands firm on Sabah autonomy, defends track record
Joniston KOTA KINABALU (June 4): Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) remain committed to the principle that Sabah should be governed by parties rooted in the state and guided by local priorities, free from external influence, said PBS and GRS information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. 'PBS has always remained consistent in this belief. Our political journey has been anchored on the conviction that Sabah should be led by its own — leadership grounded in local identity, accountability and a commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of our people,' he said. Responding to criticism from Libaran member of parliament and Sabah Umno information chief Datuk Suhaimi Nasir, Joniston acknowledged PBS's imperfect history but emphasised the party has never strayed from its founding mission. 'From the beginning, we have consistently championed state autonomy, fair treatment within the Federation, and the safeguarding of Sabah's voice and future,' he said. He also accused some of revisiting PBS's past for political convenience, ignoring the intentions behind the party's decisions. 'Many of the positions we took — once criticised as out of step — are now being echoed and championed by those who previously opposed them,' he added. Joniston stressed that PBS's history of political alliances and realignments reflects a consistent pursuit of Sabah's best interests. 'Our decision to leave Barisan Nasional (BN) came after deep reflection on whether that alliance still aligned with Sabah's aspirations. Every political decision we make is anchored on one question: Is this good for Sabah?' he said. He explained that PBS joined GRS with a clear sense of purpose, aligning with local parties that understand and prioritise Sabah's needs. 'GRS embodies the same values PBS has long upheld. Together, we are confident of achieving meaningful development for the state,' he said. Addressing Suhaimi's criticism labelling him as 'kebudak-budakan' (childish), Joniston replied, 'PBS's relevance is not defined by past affiliations but by how we serve, how we consistently defend Sabah's rights, and our commitment to a stronger future.' He pointed to tangible progress under the GRS-led State Government in collaboration with the federal administration, including a major increase in the federal special annual grant from just over RM50 million to RM600 million. He also highlighted the signing of a Commercial Collaborative Agreement (CCA) between the State Government and Petronas, allowing local companies to play a significant role in Sabah's oil and gas sector. This move helped boost state revenue to RM6.9 billion last year. 'With GRS at the helm, we can already see the light at the end of the tunnel,' Joniston concluded.
The Star
14-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Eye on Sabah's progress amid poor utility service
KOTA KINABALU: Libaran MP Datuk Suhaimi Nasir has raised concerns about the true progress in Sabah, highlighting that residents continue to experience disruptions in electricity and water supply, as well as inadequate road networks. In raising this concern, he pointed out that Sabah has generated timber revenue amounting to RM5.3bil since 1999, averaging RM213mil annually. However, many residents of Sabah still lack reliable access to essential services. 'From Libaran to Likas, from Tawau to Tuaran, the people are asking a simple question: where has all of Sabah's wealth gone?' he said in a statement yesterday. He observed that these issues are no longer confined to rural communities; even in the heart of the state capital, Kota Kinabalu, power and water disruptions have become a common occurrence. 'Water tanks are no longer optional; they are a necessity. Electricity generators, once reserved for factories, are now being used in regular homes. This is the daily reality faced by ordinary Sabahans,' he added. Suhaimi highlighted the deteriorating condition of the road infrastructure, noting that many roads are riddled with potholes and pose safety hazards. He noted that numerous rural areas in Libaran are still waiting for basic development. He emphasised that the state government should prioritise this responsibility. 'While we continue to hear announcements about forest certifications, carbon plans and ecological allocations, people are still lighting candles, storing water and dodging potholes,' he said. Suhaimi questioned whether the progress being celebrated is genuine, alleging that the people of Sabah have been patient for far too long. 'They are not against development. They are simply asking for their rights... the right to live comfortably with consistent and reliable basic amenities. These concerns should not be dismissed as scepticism or political rhetoric. 'If the state has earned billions, why are we still dealing with unresolved water, electricity and road issues? 'This question is not about pointing fingers; it is about demanding responsibility,' he stressed, adding that the people of Sabah deserve better.
The Star
13-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Sabah MP questions lack of basic amenities despite billions in timber revenue
KOTA KINABALU: There is a glaring disconnect between Sabah's reported billions in timber revenue and the state's ongoing failure to provide basic amenities such as clean water, consistent electricity, and proper road networks, says Libaran MP Datuk Suhaimi Nasir ( pic ). Suhaimi raised concerns over Sabah recording timber revenue of RM5.3bil since 1999, averaging RM213mil annually, while many Sabahans continue to lack reliable access to essential services. "From Libaran to Likas, from Tawau to Tuaran, the people are asking a simple question, where has all of Sabah's wealth gone?" he asked in a statement on Tuesday (May 13). He noted that it is no longer just rural communities facing these issues; even in Kota Kinabalu, the state capital, power and water disruptions have become commonplace. "Water tanks are no longer optional; they are a necessity. Electricity generators, once reserved for factories, are now being used in regular homes. This is the daily reality faced by ordinary Sabahans," he added. Suhaimi also pointed out the poor state of road infrastructure, adding that many roads remain potholed and unsafe, with numerous rural areas in Libaran still waiting for basic development. He stressed that this is a responsibility that should be prioritised by the state government. "While we continue to hear announcements about forest certification, carbon plans, and ecological allocations, people are still lighting candles, storing water, and dodging potholes," he said. Suhaimi questioned whether this is truly the progress being celebrated, alleging that the people of Sabah have long been patient. "They are not against development. They are simply asking for their rights … the right to live comfortably with consistent and reliable basic amenities. "These concerns should not be dismissed as scepticism or political rhetoric. "If the state has earned billions, why are we still dealing with unresolved water, electricity, and road issues? "This question is not about pointing fingers; it is about demanding responsibility," he stressed, adding that the people of Sabah deserve better.
Malay Mail
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Where has Sabah's timber wealth gone? Umno rep questions state govt amid blackouts, water cuts and poor roads despite RM5.3b revenue
KOTA KINABALU, May 13 — Despite Sabah raking in billions in timber revenue over the past two decades, a Sabah Umno leader said the state continues to grapple with basic infrastructure like unreliable water and electricity supply and damaged roads. Sabah Umno information chief Datuk Suhaimi Nasir said that the state government announcement that it generated RM5.3 billion in timber royalties since 1999 was frustrating Sabahans, who wonder why the state has failed to resolve its long-standing infrastructural challenges affecting them daily. 'If the state has earned billions, why are we still facing unresolved water, electricity, and road issues? 'From Libaran to Likas, from Tawau to Tuaran, the people are asking the same thing: where has all of Sabah's wealth gone?' said Suhaimi, who is also Libaran MP. 'Water and electricity cuts are not even confined to rural districts. In the state capital Kota Kinabalu itself, outages have become routine. Water tanks and backup generators are not just for factories — but for every household,' he said. Suhaimi also brought up road conditions which were ridden with potholes, damaged and dangerous stretches. 'In Libaran, rural communities are still waiting for basic public infrastructure that should be the priority of any state government,' he said. Suhaimi said that the state government announces various 'successes' nearly every day — from forest certifications and carbon plans to ecological allocations — yet people are still lighting candles at night, storing water in containers and dodging potholes on the roads. 'Is this the true face of the progress being boasted about? I believe the people of Sabah have been patient long enough. They are not rejecting development — they are simply asking for their right to live comfortably, supported by stable and continuous basic utilities. 'As an elected representative, I must stress that the people's voices should not be dismissed or labelled as 'sceptical'. They have the right to ask questions. They have the right to know. The people of Sabah deserve better,' he said. Last weekend, chief minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor announced that Sabah has collected royalties totalling RM5.3 billion from timber harvests from 1999 to 2023, translating to an average annual revenue of about RM213 million for the state government. The department also reported a revenue increase of RM16 million from timber royalties, totalling RM171 million in 2024. Two weeks ago, Hajiji also announced that Sabah's gross domestic product (GDP) had risen to RM83.2 billion in 2023 — an RM1.1 billion increase from the year before. Opposition leader and Parti Warisan president Datuk Shafie Apdal also recently questioned the state's government on paper 'progress' when the reality on the ground was that people were still living in hardship. 'They can parade data on TV every day, but the people on the ground are suffering. Prices of goods are high. There are no jobs. Basic infrastructure is not as good as what they claim,' he was quoted saying during his party's launch of the Kaamatan Festival in Limbahau Papar.
Malay Mail
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Where has Sabah's timber wealth gone? Umno rep questions state govt as Sabahans still face blackouts, water cuts and poor roads despite RM5.3b revenue
KOTA KINABALU, May 13 — Despite Sabah raking in billions in timber revenue over the past two decades, a Sabah Umno leader said the state continues to grapple with basic infrastructure like unreliable water and electricity supply and damaged roads. Sabah Umno information chief Datuk Suhaimi Nasir said that the state government announcement that it generated RM5.3 billion in timber royalties since 1999 was frustrating Sabahans, who wonder why the state has failed to resolve its long-standing infrastructural challenges affecting them daily. 'If the state has earned billions, why are we still facing unresolved water, electricity, and road issues? 'From Libaran to Likas, from Tawau to Tuaran, the people are asking the same thing: where has all of Sabah's wealth gone?' said Suhaimi, who is also Libaran MP. 'Water and electricity cuts are not even confined to rural districts. In the state capital Kota Kinabalu itself, outages have become routine. Water tanks and backup generators are not just for factories — but for every household,' he said. Suhaimi also brought up road conditions which were ridden with potholes, damaged and dangerous stretches. 'In Libaran, rural communities are still waiting for basic public infrastructure that should be the priority of any state government,' he said. Suhaimi said that the state government announces various 'successes' nearly every day — from forest certifications and carbon plans to ecological allocations — yet people are still lighting candles at night, storing water in containers and dodging potholes on the roads. 'Is this the true face of the progress being boasted about? I believe the people of Sabah have been patient long enough. They are not rejecting development — they are simply asking for their right to live comfortably, supported by stable and continuous basic utilities. 'As an elected representative, I must stress that the people's voices should not be dismissed or labelled as 'sceptical'. They have the right to ask questions. They have the right to know. The people of Sabah deserve better,' he said. Last weekend, chief minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor announced that Sabah has collected royalties totalling RM5.3 billion from timber harvests from 1999 to 2023, translating to an average annual revenue of about RM213 million for the state government. The department also reported a revenue increase of RM16 million from timber royalties, totalling RM171 million in 2024. Two weeks ago, Hajiji also announced that Sabah's gross domestic product (GDP) had risen to RM83.2 billion in 2023 — an RM1.1 billion increase from the year before. Opposition leader and Parti Warisan president Datuk Shafie Apdal also recently questioned the state's government on paper 'progress' when the reality on the ground was that people were still living in hardship. 'They can parade data on TV every day, but the people on the ground are suffering. Prices of goods are high. There are no jobs. Basic infrastructure is not as good as what they claim,' he was quoted saying during his party's launch of the Kaamatan Festival in Limbahau Papar.
