Duplication by Federal depts and agencies must end: Jeffrey
Published on: Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Kota Kinabalu: The current MACC probe into the Sabah Water Department which saw the seizure of more than RM114 million in cash and assets is another reason why administrative reforms should be put in place, especially with regard to Federal development funds. Star President Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said there is no justification for Federal to approve and implement projects in the State and ignore and not channel the funds to the State Government."The federalisation of projects must stop. There are no two ways about it. The Federal Government is usurping the authority of Sabah and creating a parallel government in the process.ADVERTISEMENT "All the Federal department and agencies in Sabah which have similar Sabah departments and agencies should be withdrawn immediately and their duties handed over to be carried out by their Sabah counterparts," he said in a statement.At the same time, he said the funds for all Federal funded projects should be channelled to the Sabah government for implementation and monitoring.Jeffrey also said Federal should let Sabah decide on the use of development funds instead of making decisions on extravagant multi-million Ringgit projects from Putrajaya without in-depth knowledge of local conditions and requirements."The Federal Government should not play politics with federal funds … these funds belong to the people of Malaysia and the Umno/BN government is merely the government of the day and trustees and custodians of these funds," he said.ADVERTISEMENT More importantly, when entrusted with the management of the development funds, the State government can chart Sabah's own development course to meet local needs and requirements which are very different from those in Malaya, he added.Jeffrey stated that the present outdated and centrally-controlled funding has led to lack of oversight and monitoring and perhaps contributed to the reason for the seizure of the RM114 million in cash and assets from the two senior officers of the Sabah Water Department.
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"As for the case, MACC should be allowed to investigate unhindered with no stones left unturned. The law should also be allowed to take its own course and the political powers should not interfere and manipulate the investigations and prosecution," he said.Jeffrey also proposed that since the MACC has stepped into the alleged corruption in the Water Department, it should widen its net and investigate the alleged corruption in other State departments, agencies and government-inked companies."The Sabah Government should insist on the administrative and funds management reforms which should be granted as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has promised autonomy for Sabah and Sarawak as well as devolution of powers.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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"If not, the lack of coordination will allow the loophole and abuse to be continued and exploited by the federal government and the federal leaders."There should be no more excuses. Transparency, accountability and good governance in Sabah should be the rule of the day," he said.