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Kota Kinabalu — Roger Amandus, a Social and Economic Activist today dismissed the statement by Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib, who projected that Sabah would record 5.8% annual economic growth under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), calling it yet another recycled promise ahead of the coming state election.
Datuk Hanifah’s projection reflects the same political rhetoric repeated under every Malaysia Plan — from the 9MP to the 12MP — while Sabah continues to rank among the poorest states in Malaysia.
“Every five years, Sabahans are told that the next Malaysia Plan will transform the state. Yet, the people still face poor roads, unreliable electricity, water shortages, and weak internet coverage. Promises of digitalisation, blue economy and downstream industries mean nothing when basic needs remain unmet,” Amandus said.
It is further stressed that these projections are meaningless without addressing the fundamental issue — the Federal Government’s failure to restore Sabah’s 40% net revenue entitlement under Articles 112C and 112D of the Federal Constitution.
“As long as Sabah is denied its rightful share of revenue, no plan or projection can deliver real progress. Genuine development requires fiscal autonomy, not dependence on federal handouts and token allocation.,”
it is also noted that Datuk Hanifah’s admission — that infrastructure in other states is far more complete than Sabah’s — is a clear acknowledgment of decades of federal neglect.
“It’s ironic for a Deputy Minister to admit Sabah’s lack of basic facilities while the same government has been in power for years. If the federal administration truly cared about equitable development, it would prioritise infrastructure, connectivity, and jobs — not just issue projections ahead of an election”
The “Jelajah Jalinan Borneo” programme is another political roadshow aimed at creating the illusion of progress.
“Sabahans have heard enough promises. What we need now are leaders with integrity, discipline, and courage to deliver — not more slogans every election season.”
Roger Amandus
Social and Economic Activist, Papar, Sabah
