KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s government-linked companies (GLCs) must return to their core mandate and strengthen collaboration to remain effective drivers of the state’s development, said Masidi Manjun.
The state Finance Minister said GLCs were originally established as strategic instruments to spur economic growth, ensure equitable development and support the government’s social agenda — not merely to generate profit.
“GLCs must not be seen merely as commercial entities pursuing profit alone. Rather, they are a manifestation of the government’s role as an economic driver and a responsible agent of social transformation,” he said.
Masidi was speaking at the Majlis Ketua Eksekutif Sabah (MAKES) high tea event here today.
He said the state must address several persistent weaknesses within the GLC ecosystem, including deviation from core mandates, siloed operations, limited cross-agency collaboration and an overemphasis on output rather than real impact.
“We too often measure output in terms of numbers and figures, when the true measure of success lies in the outcomes and impact experienced by the people,” he said.
Masidi also highlighted a lack of innovation and continued reliance on traditional revenue sources, urging GLCs to explore new growth areas such as the digital economy and emerging industries.
He described MAKES as more than a ceremonial platform, but a strategic mechanism to strengthen coordination among GLCs and state agencies.
“MAKES is not merely a council. It is a strategic coordination platform designed to strengthen the GLC and state agency ecosystem in a comprehensive and integrated manner,” he said.
The platform, he added, would help align leadership direction, drive cross-sector collaboration, coordinate policy implementation and optimise shared resources.
Masidi outlined five key priorities for GLCs moving forward — generating new revenue streams, creating quality jobs, accelerating digital transformation, strengthening governance and ensuring development delivers tangible benefits to the people.
He stressed that economic growth must translate into meaningful opportunities, particularly for Sabah’s youth.
“Jobs must not only be available, but must also offer added value in terms of skills, income and social mobility,” he said.
Masidi also called for stronger governance, transparency and accountability, noting that public trust is fundamental to the legitimacy of state institutions.
Looking ahead, he urged leaders not to treat MAKES as another routine meeting platform, but as a catalyst for change.
“Do not see MAKES as just another routine meeting platform. Instead, view it as a transformative platform for change,” he said.
He expressed confidence that with strong commitment and coordination, Sabah’s GLCs can be elevated to play a more impactful role in line with the state’s long-term development aspirations.
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