Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin isn’t buying the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government’s success story, saying it has failed where it matters most – delivering basic services to the people.

He said Sabahans are still struggling with water shortages, frequent blackouts, and deteriorating roads, despite Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor’s insistence that his administration is performing well.

“If GRS is really that successful, why are people still struggling to get clean water? Why, in the middle of Ramadan, are so many areas still facing supply cuts?” he asked.

Sabahans, he added, have come to accept blackouts as part of daily life.

“If a day goes by without a power cut, people are actually surprised.”

On infrastructure, Bung Moktar said pothole-ridden roads remain a hazard, damaging vehicles and causing accidents, yet little has been done to fix them.

His remarks come after Hajiji, who is also the GRS chairman, dismissed claims that his administration had failed. The chief minister insisted Sabah has seen steady economic growth, infrastructure development, and expanded educational aid under his leadership.

But Bung Moktar argued that Sabahans continue to leave the state in search of better job opportunities, saying the lack of quality employment forces many to migrate to the peninsula or overseas.

“The cost of living keeps rising, but where’s the government’s plan to ease the burden?”

He said GRS’ achievements were merely statistics on paper.

“If the government is doing such a great job, the people should feel it, not just hear about it in speeches.”

With the state election looming, Bung Moktar said Sabahans now have a choice – stick with GRS or vote for change. – March 16, 2025