Bid to deflect attention, claims Warisan
Published on: Tuesday, March 12, 2024
“Regrettably, such allegations against Warisan were made to deflect attention from the current State Government’s shortcomings,” Au (left) said in response to Chong (middle) and Teo.
Kota Kinabalu: Wira Warisan Chief Terence Au said the claims that Warisan had done nothing for Sabah are false and a simplistic attempt to avoid blame for the current government’s shortcomings.
“Regrettably, such allegations against Warisan were made to deflect attention from the current State Government’s shortcomings,” he said in response to Tanjong Kapor Assemblyman Ben Chong and Gagasan Rakyat Kiulu Deputy Chief George Teo.
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Chong, who left Warisan for GRS on Feb 6 last year, had cautioned the people that the opposition, particularly Warisan, would continue to undermine the GRS-PH State Government.
He was quoted as saying that Warisan had no achievements of its own to offer.
Teo, on the other hand, claimed that the opposition, particularly Warisan, has not been fair to Hajiji, as they continued to attack the GRS Chairman with lies and slander, even dragging his (Hajiji) family members into the fray.
Au said Chong’s victories in the Tanjong Kapor seat on the Warisan ticket in the 2018 and 2020 state elections demonstrated his (Chong) recognition of Warisan’s contribution to his electoral success.
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“Notably, Chong’s nomination as Assistant Minister of Trade and Industry in the Warisan-led Cabinet emphasised his role.
“It raises questions regarding the authenticity of his (Chong) claims against Warisan’s contribution during its tenure,” Au said.
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“As an elected representative with access to resources and authority within the State Government since he left Warisan for GRS, Chong and others should prioritise effective action over unconstructive criticism,” Au said.
He said Chong and the other GRS Ministers and YBs should understand that Sabahans will not fall for any defamation or lies, as Hajiji claimed, if GRS is or has done its jobs to the satisfaction of the electorate.
“We are not talking about subjective or idealistic issues but tangible daily problems that require immediate intervention from the State Government,” Au said.
Former special officer of the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti), Yong Tain Vui, said the fundamental purpose of Warisan leaders’ criticisms is to advocate for the people and highlight genuine difficulties faced by Sabahans.
“These criticisms aim to prompt proactive responses from state and local governments, rather than targeting individuals within the Government personally,” he said.
He said since the transition to the GRS administration in 2020, Sabahans have been waiting for demonstrable improvements in fundamental infrastructure and services.
However, assessments from the ground indicate that issues persist, notably in terms of water, electricity and road conditions.
“The resultant economic repercussions of such deficiencies cannot be ignored, with adverse effects on businesses and the broader State economy, not forgeting Sabah has imposed a 5 per cent state sales tax on all petroleum products, as announced and contributed by former Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal in 2020.
“At that time, the State has been collecting additional revenue and the people of Sabah were expecting upgrades to basic infrastructure and improved roads, or at the very least, fewer water and electricity outages.
Unfortunately, these issues are still occurring.
“We hope the current government can be more proactive in the execution of projects that can help the people,” he said.
Both Au and Yong urged Chong and other government officials to take criticism constructively and prioritise actual outcomes for the people.
“With the power and resources at their disposal, it is critical that they focus on making meaningful improvements rather than engaging in divisive rhetoric.
Sabahans need proactive governance that improves their quality of life,” they said.
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