RANAU: Sabahans stand to once again receive annual dividends from state revenue if the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government is returned to power, Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun said.
The incumbent for the Karanaan seat said the dividends – previously enjoyed by Sabahans under Yayasan Sabah – could become possible through the State’s share of the 40 per cent revenue owed by the Federal Government.
“It is channelled into state investments, when the money is invested and it generates profit, that profit is ours. We will share it with Sabahans every year,” he said, adding that the initiative under the Berjaya administration would be reinstated and expanded under a renewed GRS mandate.
The caretaker Finance Minister stressed that these funds belong to the people, describing them as a collective return from federal revenue collected in Sabah.
“These are among our long-term plans. If GRS is entrusted with the mandate again, we will restore the annual dividend and broaden its coverage,” he said. Masidi also highlighted the free accident insurance protection introduced for Sabahans which, he said, must be continued.
The scheme provides RM10,000 compensation for death or severe injury due to an accident, RM1,000 for funeral expenses, coverage even for babies as young as 30 days old and claims are processed within 10 days through District Council offices, provided police and hospital reports confirm the cause.
“This is the kind of assistance that directly helps our people,” he said, adding this programme would also be maintained and improved if GRS continues governing.
Masidi urged voters to evaluate leaders based on their ability to govern rather than making easy promises.
“Accusing others is easy. But doing the real work is something else,” he said, pointing to former leaders with ministerial portfolios who achieved little despite holding key positions.
“We have proven our ability to administer the state. Don’t judge us only by promises, judge us by what we’ve already done well.”
Masidi cautioned voters against switching governments without solid reasons, stressing the importance of long-term stability.
“Do not choose just for the next five years. Choose for the future of your children. Sabah needs leaders and a government capable of safeguarding the years ahead,” he said.
He said certain infrastructure projects such as drainage, road repairs and bridges, were delayed due to issues with funding warrants issued only in September. He recommended postponing implementation to early next year to avoid payment complications.
“It is better we delay until early next year so there will be no issues in terms of payment,” he said.
Masidi closed his speech with a reminder of the approaching polling date. “On the 29th, we will vote, I will choose the future. Not only for myself, but for my children – for all our children.”
