Sabah opposition leader Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal has criticized the state’s ruling coalition, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), for what he described as splurging on funds while ordinary Sabahans continue to face economic hardships and disaster-related challenges.

Shafie, who is also Parti Warisan president, made such remarks during a walkabout in Lido, Luyang, where he engaged with market-goers on Saturday.

“If we can spend money on celebrations in Keningau, festivals, and canopies—spending millions of ringgit—while people are dealing with floods, wading through water, how is it that the state government has no funds to buy speedboats for them?” he asked.

“The flooding isn’t limited to one area. For example, in Kota Marudu and Pitas. Even though there is flood mitigation, it is not functioning well. I raised this in Parliament so the government can allocate sufficient funds,” he added.

Shafie also questioned why the government could allocate millions for public events but failed to ensure public safety during disasters.

GRS recently concluded its Jelajah Sayangi Sabah program in Keningau last Thursday, which saw approximately 10,000 party members from its alliance attending the event.

This comes just as Sabah was grappling with severe flooding, particularly in Pitas, where some 10,000 people were affected.

The Senallang assemblyman and Semporna MP also addressed the financial struggles faced by ordinary Sabahans, criticizing the government’s spending priorities.

“A single basket of goods costs RM30, but when I see it, their baskets are not full—not enough. 

“The people’s purchasing power is very limited. We need measures to address this issue,” Shafie said.

Sabah is already dealing with issues of poverty and inequality for many years. 

On January 12, Shafie further criticised the state government’s priorities, pointing to a string of evictions affecting local communities across Sabah, including in his constituents in Semporna. 

“The welfare of individuals must be safeguarded when they are relocated from their homes,” he said, while calling for more compassionate policies.

His remarks come as discontent grows among Sabahans over the state government’s spending practices amid persistent socio-economic challenges. – January 25, 2025.