KOTA KINABALU: According to a Parti Warisan leader, there is a need for progressive reform to enhance the competitiveness of state bodies and government-linked companies (GLCs) in Sabah.
Tungku assemblyman Assafal P Alian expressed that the recent revelation of non-performance by most Sabah GLCs reflects the failure of the state to implement significant policies and direction.
Assafal stated that the appointment of chairmen and board of directors for these companies was with the expectation that they would lead based on policies and directions set by the ruling party for the benefit of Sabah.
He also claimed that many of these non-performing GLCs reflected the inaction of the cabinet, blaming the GRS-led state government leaders instead of the employees of these companies.
According to Assafal, the chairmen and directors of these GLCs were recommended by the same people who are now part of the state Cabinet.
His comments were made in response to a statement by state Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, who mentioned that most state GLCs were operating at a loss instead of generating profits for the Sabah government.
Masidi urged the GLCs and their management teams to step up and ensure profitability to provide dividends to the government, warning that they could face termination if they failed.
Assafal also expressed his opinion that the weakness and fear of losing positions among GRS state Cabinet ministers have caused incompetence in the state from top to bottom.
He brought up the issue of federal aid to alleviate water supply crisis in Sabah, highlighting that while RM320mil was approved, it was much lower than the RM10bil needed by the state and was actually allocated under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).
He criticized the state Cabinet for settling for only RM200mil under RP4, while other states such as Melaka and Perak were applying for billions of ringgit under the same plan.
According to Assafal, Warisan will introduce proposals for progressive reforms in management and governance in Sabah to ensure responsible leadership for the state’s immediate needs.
