Sabahans no longer need to second-guess their choice in the next state election—five years under Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) have provided all the proof they need, according to Warisan leader Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
He said the evidence is clear for the public to decide.
“Five years—that’s how long they’ve had. And where is Sabah today? More jobs? Higher revenue? Reliable water and electricity? Or are we still stuck with rationing?”
Shafie said this when met at the party’s Chinese New Year function in Kota Kinabalu on Saturday.
Shafie didn’t mince his words, saying that Sabahans must now decide whether to “give them more time” or take matters into their own hands.
The former Sabah chief minister said this in response to a question about Gabungan Rakyat Sabah chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor seeking a fresh mandate in the upcoming state election to complete his Sabah Maju Jaya development plans.
The former chief minister said the recent corruption scandal surrounding the ruling coalition should also serve as a wake-up call.
He also reiterated in his parliamentary speech earlier this week that the recent graft charges against Gabungan Rakyat Sabah leaders were a sign from God.
“If they had led with vision and truly developed Sabah in five years, we could call it success.
“But the reality? Not progress—corruption. And it’s spreading at the highest levels. This should worry all of us,” he said.
Shafie said the people must act now, calling on voters to “save Sabah” from rising unemployment, failing infrastructure, and worsening quality of life.
Shafie cited a recent case where a motorcyclist lost his life after hitting a pothole in Kota Kinabalu, calling it a glaring example of how badly things have deteriorated.
“This isn’t Long Pasia or Pitas. This is Kota Kinabalu. Imagine that—the state capital, and they still can’t fix the roads.
“When I was chief minister, we increased the road maintenance budget from RM300 million to RM400 million.
“So, where’s the money now?” he asked.
On the ongoing water crisis, Shafie said the issue isn’t just about replacing meters or fixing old pipes but securing long-term supply.
“The problem isn’t the meters, it’s not the pipes. The problem is there isn’t enough water in the first place.
“How do we fix this? We must contain the water—whether from underground sources or rain.
“There must be a dam. I know the dam is there, but it’s not good enough. And even if we have one, the distribution must be right—water must go where it’s needed,” he said.
Shafie said the focus must be on who is best suited to run Sabah—not on party politics with the state election fast approaching this year.
“This election is not about who becomes prime minister. It’s about who will lead Sabah.
“So let Sabahans decide,” he said.
He stressed that Sabah must have full autonomy in deciding its leadership but maintained that this doesn’t mean cutting ties with the federal government.
“We will continue to work with Putrajaya to govern the country. But at the state level, let Sabahans choose who they want—for the future of their children and the next generation,” he said. – February 9, 2025.
