Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal took a swipe at the RM300 monthly cash aid, saying the state government has money for handouts, but took out a loan from Putrajaya to fix water woes.
He said the monthly aid, unveiled for the first time in the state’s 2025 budget, was designed to win votes in an election year.
“Take the RM300. It’s not their money, it’s the people’s money,” Shafie said during a speech in Kampung Rukom Laut, Pitas, on Saturday.
“They only gave the RM300 now. What happens after the election?” he said.
The RM358.5 million Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat (SYUKUR) programme will provide RM300 monthly to about 100,000 poor and hardcore poor households until the end of 2025.
The program will benefit approximately 100,000 recipients classified as hardcore poor and poor listed in the e-Kasih list.
It was launched by Sabah chief minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor in Tuaran on February 19.
“The government claims to be helping the people, but if they truly cared, why did they borrow to solve water problems? Why is there money for cash aid but not for something as essential as water supply?” Shafie said.
He reminded voters that the cash aid was from public funds, not the government’s money, urging them to vote wisely by thinking for themselves, but also some thoughts of their future generations.
Previously, Hajiji also blamed Warisan for Sabah’s water woes, citing the termination of Barisan Nasional-era concession firms, which led to lawsuits and RM315.2 million in compensation payouts.
Meanwhile, Shafie also emphasized Warisan’s image as a multiracial party, pointing out that it has more Kadazan Dusun Murut (KDM) leaders than other races, including prominent figures such as Datuk Darell Leiking, Datuk Terrence Siambun, and Datuk Loretto Padua Jr.
“Warisan isn’t just for one race. We are multiracial. Look at our leadership. We have more KDM leaders than others. That shows our commitment to unity and diversity,” Shafie said.
He added that Warisan represents all Sabahans, regardless of race or religion, and urged voters to consider the party’s inclusive approach when choosing their leaders. – February 23, 2025
