UMNO Sabah has criticised the state government’s newly announced Group Insurance Scheme, describing it as little more than “election candy” designed to sway voters ahead of looming state polls.
Sabah Umno Assistant Secretary, Alfian Sambas, questioned the timing of the initiative, which was unveiled alongside other forms of public assistance, including a RM300 monthly allowance.
“After examining it more closely, we see that this initiative is nothing more than election candy that was deliberately introduced as the state heads towards its State Election (PRN),” Alfian said in a statement in Kota Kinabalu on Saturday.
He noted that such aid was conspicuously absent earlier in the government’s tenure.
“The main question that arises is: why wasn’t this assistance announced earlier during the administration? Why is everything coming in a rush as the election draws near?”
Alfian said UMNO Sabah does not oppose policies that genuinely benefit the people over the long term. But he expressed doubt over the scheme’s sustainability.
“If this scheme only lasts for a period of two or three years without a sustainable long-term financial plan, then it is merely a form of political manipulation to gain support ahead of the state election. It is not a policy for the people, but a cheap strategy to fish for votes,” he said.
He also criticised the GRS-led government’s claims of sound financial standing, saying such rhetoric rang hollow in the face of ongoing infrastructure challenges across Sabah.
“What is more disappointing is the attitude of the GRS government, which supposedly has a strong financial position, but has failed to resolve more important basic issues faced by the people — including clean water supply, stable electricity, and road infrastructure, especially in rural areas.”
“Traders continue to suffer losses due to disruptions in basic utility supply. The people still travel on damaged and unsafe roads every day.
“Yet all of this is not a priority for the State Government, even though it has more direct impact on the daily wellbeing of Sabahans,” he said.
Alfian further questioned who stands to benefit from the insurance scheme.
“Who is really making big gains from this scheme? Does it really benefit the people, or does it merely enrich the appointed insurance management?” He said.
He called on the public not to be deceived by short-term assistance timed for political effect.
“The people of Sabah must not continue to be made the target of political games like this. “We urge the people to evaluate this wisely and not allow themselves to be fooled by temporary aid that only emerges during election season.”
“Sabah’s wellbeing should not depend on political candy, but must be built on honesty, true people-centred priorities, and sustainable planning,” he said. – April 12, 2025
