Sabah’s unemployment rate has remained unchanged at 7.7% for five years, despite a national decline to 3.2%, says Libaran MP Datuk Suhaimi Nasir.

Citing Statistics Department Malaysia data, he accused the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government of failing to address joblessness.

“This clearly shows no real effort has been made,” he said during Parliament’s Royal Address debate in parliament.

Suhaimi, who is also Sabah Umno information chief, called for stronger bumiputra empowerment to create more job opportunities.

“A strategic approach is needed to ensure economic sustainability,” he added.

He urged the government to boost TVET training and align it with industry needs, while expanding entrepreneurship programmes for youth and SMEs.

Suhaimi also claimed the Sabah government is underutilising federal development funds, leading to poor infrastructure upgrades.

“Basic needs like roads, water, and electricity must be prioritised,” he said.

He criticised GRS for repeatedly making excuses over policy failures, urging better implementation of federal initiatives in Sabah.

“The people of Sabah deserve development on par with other states,” he added. – February 13, 2025