Don't gamble with Sabah's future
Published on: Friday, April 06, 2018
Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman is confident that people in the State still trust the Barisan Nasional (BN) to continue making their lives better based on the State Government's clear 15-year track record in delivering its promises."Sabah BN has worked very hard to ensure we listen to the people. We are confident the people trust us (and) will not gamble with Sabah's future," he said, in an interview with CNBC Asia.He said Sabahans can be proud of the fact that the State now ranks among the top 5 in Malaysia and recorded the highest growth rate for any state in the nation with 6.1pc in 2015.
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The State's hard core poor had been greatly reduced to just 5pc while the mean monthly household income stands at RM4,110 which is higher than in many other states.In view of the coming general election, he said the BN's performance will again be the key issue to be considered by voters as to how it has improved their lives.But he lamented that the people sometimes do not get the true picture of the government's success stories because of lies and fake news spread by certain parties.He also slammed the irresponsible actions of the opposition which can potentially disunite and shake the foundations of the political stability, peace and economic prosperity Sabah has enjoyed over the past 15 years.
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He credited much of the State Government's success stories to the good relationship between the state and federal governments.He said proof of the good state-federal relationship that stands out the most is the RM4.3 billion federal allocations for infrastructure projects in different segments, including poverty eradication programmes, all of which have benefited the people.
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He also gave credit to his strong team of Cabinet Ministers who have been working with him since 2003 in maintaining stability, peace and economic growth in Sabah.On the state's economy, Musa reiterated that Sabah ranked 5th in the country in 2015 with a growth rate of 6.1 per cent, which was then the highest in Malaysia.He predicted that with a proven track record and solid relationship with Federal, the State Government stays on the right platform to create even more opportunities to further improve the lives of the people.He also stressed the government's seriousness in ensuring no more kidnapping incidents; dealing with the issue on non-documented foreigners; providing allocations for places of worships for all religions including non-Islamic schools.The full interview follows: CNBC: What is your expectation for the upcoming Malaysian General Elections?CM: Our voters are much more mature now and will assess the performance of the government and the opposition – whether they are sincere in serving the people or just out for power.The key issue to be considered is has Barisan Nasional delivered on our promises over the last 5 years and made life better for our people. My government's track record over the past 15 years is clear. We have brought- Political Stability, - Improved community wellbeing and welfare of the people, peace & harmony,- Aggressively pushed Investments and growth to diversify the economy and raised incomes, paving the way for greater economic growth.Having said that, in the GE14, the spread of information and news through digital and social media makes it critical for us to ensure we are sharing our success stories online, while correcting the lies and fake news immediately.It is important that the rural community understand and actually feel the impact of the development they have asked for.Sabah BN has worked very hard to ensure we listen to the people. We are confident the people trust us will not gamble with Sabah's future CNBC: What is the current political landscape of Sabah?CM: The political cooperation among the Barisan Nasional component parties is very good. My Cabinet Ministers coming from the diverse communities across Sabah are working closely together to ensure the bridges we have built to maintain stability, peace and economic growth is maintained. This is the same team with me since 2003. Of course, we have our differences but I have always said there's always room for discussion to resolve whatever issues brought to the table. We have also maintained very close Sabah-Federal relations. Prime Minister Dato Seri Najib has been very attentive to Sabah's needs and receptive to requests for Federal allocations for infrastructure projects (RM4.3 billion in 2017) in six different segments – housing, road, electricity and water facilities in the rural areas, poverty eradication programmes and other projects.A special committee set up in 2015 to address the Rights of Sabah in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 has focused on restoring Sabah rights fully. Significant progress had been made already. The PM himself has said that if Federal had inadvertently taken away those rights, they will be restored. He's the first PM to even address this issue. During election season, it is normal to see all types of political pacts making all kinds of promises. Some new parties have been formed just to try their luck at the coming elections without clear long term policies or strategies for betterment of Sabah. Disgruntled members of the opposition are now forming unholiest of alliances stirring up racial and religious sentiments.Their irresponsible actions have potential to disunite and shake the foundations of the political stability, peace and economic prosperity Sabah has enjoyed over the past 15 years. CNBC: Can you tell us about the economic landscape of Sabah?- Sabah's economy ranks Number 5 among Malaysian states with a growth rate of 6.1pc in 2015, the highest in Malaysia.- GDP increased from RM59.3 billion in 2011 to RM73.8 billion in 2016, - Our Income has diversified away from primary commodities to services (30pc), tourism (10pc) and manufacturing (8pc).- We have increased Per Capita GDP from RM11,000 to RM20,000 between 2005-2017.- Increase in median monthly household income from RM3,745 to RM4,110 between 2014–2016 putting Sabah ahead of other states. - We have reduced hard core poor (earning less than RM800 per month) from 25pc to 5pc between 2005 and 2017- The Sabah's Economic Blueprint – Halatuju Sabah, that I launched in 2004, focusing on tourism, agriculture, manufacturing and human resource development is now bearing fruit.- We established the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (Sedia) in 2008 and Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) was launched the same year.- The infrastructure, property, oil and gas, manufacturing, plantation and tourism sectors will be main drivers and are growing at a healthy rate in Sabah over the past 15 years.- They are prime movers of future state economic growth and will change the landscape of Sabah in coming years.- Implementation of projects, such as the Pan-Borneo Highway, Sabah International Convention Centre (to be completed end 2018) and Tanjung Aru Eco Developmemt will boost infrastructure, tourism and economic spinoffs in the State.- Planning for youth entrepreneur development is underway. This is to create jobs and encourage entrepreneurship among Sabahans, an area that has been lacking over the years.CNBC: What are the opportunities ahead for Sabah- Federal Government has expanded provision of previously non-existent basic facilities such as electricity, better and new housing and roads and bridges in many rural areas.- Focus has been given to sharing the state's wealth with those in need in rural areas, via programmes such as building of new schools and provision of more community facilities.- Illegal Logging activities have been curbed, carbon footprint and environmental concerns vis-a-vis oil palm plantations and other heavy industries in Sabah have been given weight and supported.- The focus to develop the Oil and Gas industry continues with the:@ Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (SOGIP) – expected to create RM12 billion and generate 30,000 jobs by 2021;- SAMUR Ammonia & Urea manufacturing plant (Petronas Chemicals), that will provide RM1.5 billion, generating 500 jobs;- Kimanis 300 MW Power Plant;- Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal (SOGT) in Kimanis;Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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