By Olivia Miwil
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah must have stronger financial resources to enable the state to implement its development policies more effectively, said Tamparuli assemblyman Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau.
"Sabah actually has strong potential for progress.
"But weak implementation and continued dependence on the federal government have resulted in many important projects not being carried out according to the needs of the people," he said when debating the policy speech at the 17th Sabah State Legislative Assembly sitting here.
He cited development at POIC Lahad Datu as an example, which continues to face basic issues such as a lack of treated water supply, logistical weaknesses, and project delays due to lengthy financing processes.
He said delays in financing approval for upgrading barge facilities in the area had caused project costs to nearly double, from RM8 million to RM16 million.
Madius said such a situation demonstrates how bureaucratic delays and reliance on federal loans can undermine investor confidence and hinder the state's development.
The Tuaran member of parliament also raised concerns about food security, noting that Sabah currently produces only about 20 per cent of its own rice needs.
"All the issues I have raised - investment, logistics and food supply - ultimately point to one main factor, which is money.
"The question is, how long must Sabah continue to depend on and hope for the goodwill of others to develop its own state?" he said.
He said all state assemblymen must unite in fighting for Sabah's 40 per cent revenue entitlement to ensure a better future for the state and its people.
He said that when the 40 per cent right is returned as ordered by the court, it would restore Sabah's dignity and financial strength.
"With that right, Sabah can build, Sabah can lead, and Sabah can stand on its own without having to continue extending its hand," he said.
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