KUNAK Assemblywoman Datuk Norazlinah Arif said the government should translate positive economic indicators into tangible improvements in people’s daily lives.
“The average citizen is not concerned with complex economic data. They want to see improvements in infrastructure, water supply and road conditions,” she said when debating the Supplementary Budget Bill, here, Tuesday.
She also called for an end to political bickering, urging all parties to focus on realising the vision of a truly advanced and successful Sabah.
She praised the government’s economic management through the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan, which achieved impressive records.
“We must move beyond slogans and translate our economic gains into real progress for all Sabahans.
“Our administration must be wise, disciplined, fair, and just to help Sabah shed its stigma as the poorest region in Malaysia,” she said.
While expressing both support for the government’s economic initiatives and concerns over equitable development across the State, she also called for greater transparency in financial management.
She expressed her principled support for the government’s efforts, praising various development projects across Sabah.
These include the allocation of RM3 million for a mosque in Tawau, a water treatment plant in Pulau Banggi and a RM1.2 billion integrated clinker and cement factory project in Tongod.
However, she quickly pivoted to advocate for her constituency, presenting a wish list for Kunak district.
“While we appreciate the Statewide developments, Kunak also has pressing needs,” Norazlinah said.
She outlined several proposals, including land reclamation for road expansion, construction of a new community hall, a new district mosque, road upgrades in Tingkayu and a district sports complex.
She also pushed for the gazetting of Kg Kunak Jaya and Kg Bagiang as official villages.
While acknowledging some progress, thanking the government for the RM500,000 allocation to upgrade a public park in Kunak and the reactivation of the Madai Waterfall Nature Centre, she said more needs to be done to fulfil the aspirations of Kunak residents.
Norazlinah also sought clarification from the Finance Ministry over several contentious financial issues that have been circulating among the public.
These issues included the alleged misuse of RM900 million, which was reportedly used to save several government-linked companies, particularly Sabah Development Bank, claims that Sabah’s funds were being used for projects in Peninsular Malaysia rather than within the State and the previous government’s ability to make a RM1 billion bullet payment on bonds, and whether the current administration could replicate such financial feats.
“These issues have been causing confusion among the public. We need clear explanations to distinguish between facts and mere slander,” she said.
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