logo
GRS treating state resources as personal property, says Sabah Umno

GRS treating state resources as personal property, says Sabah Umno

The Stara day ago
KOTA KINABALU: The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government is facing mounting criticism over the alleged secretive issuance of mineral mining licences and attempts to distort the state's oil and gas history.
Sabah Umno information chief Datuk Suhaimi Nasir (pic) said public trust had been betrayed, warning that Sabah's resources were being managed 'like a family inheritance' rather than state assets belonging to the people.
'The people's trust is the highest principle in any democracy. Unfortunately, under the current GRS administration, that trust has been blatantly betrayed by political greed,' said Suhaimi, who is also the Libaran MP, in a statement on Tuesday (July 22).
He took issue with recent remarks that Sabah's oil and gas sector only began developing after the establishment of SMJ Energy (SMJE) in 2021, pointing out that the RM54bil Sabah Integrated Oil and Gas Project (SIOGP) was launched in 2014 under the Barisan Nasional administration.
'GRS leaders are attempting to rewrite history,' he said.
Suhaimi also questioned whether the much-publicised investments into Sabah were truly benefitting ordinary Sabahans or merely enriching political cronies.
'GRS often boasts about multi-billion ringgit investments into Sabah, but the people deserve to know: how much of that truly goes to companies owned by genuine Sabahans?' he said.
He said it was unacceptable that the state government remained silent on basic public demands such as clean water, better roads, and stable electricity — yet was swift and quiet when it came to awarding mining licences.
'When it comes to mining licences, the government suddenly becomes swift, rushed, and silent. Is this the real priority of GRS?' he asked.
'Sabah is not the private estate of politicians. It is the people's property.'
Suhaimi said Sabah was now in the midst of a leadership crisis, adding that true leaders would not trade the state's land and dignity for political survival.
'The people of Sabah deserve to know who profits and who approved it, because this state is not a personal fiefdom to be controlled by political elites,' he said.
'Do not ever sell out Sabah for personal gain,' he added.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Fredian Gan poised to lead Melalap under GRS banner
Fredian Gan poised to lead Melalap under GRS banner

Borneo Post

time10 hours ago

  • Borneo Post

Fredian Gan poised to lead Melalap under GRS banner

Fredian Gan TENOM (July 23): Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), a major component party of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), has endorsed Datuk Fredian Gan as its candidate for the Melalap state seat in the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election, citing his deep community roots and proven leadership as key assets for the constituency's future. Fredian, a native of Melalap with strong connections to the Chinese and Murut communities, is widely seen as a unifying figure who can bridge ethnic divides and spearhead development initiatives long awaited by Melalap residents. Coming from a family respected in the region, Fredian's late father was a pioneering tailor and businessman who served as chairman of the Tenom Chinese Chamber of Commerce and also held leadership roles in local schools such as Chung Hwa Primary and Tenom Tshung Tsin Secondary School. On his maternal side, he is the great-grandson of the late Datuk Sanggau Jalang, who was appointed as the first Native Chief of the Murut Timugon group by the British colonial administration. The Sanggau family remains one of the most influential clans in Melalap, enhancing Fredian's unique position as a cultural bridge. Fredian's siblings remain actively involved in a variety of business activities within the district, including running a restaurant, sundry shop, beauty and hair salon, as well as ventures in plantations, transport and contracting. This strong family presence in local commerce further anchors Fredian's deep ties to the community. Fredian brings with him decades of experience across both public and private sectors. Beginning his career at Sabah Land Development Board (SLDB) and Standard Chartered Bank, he later transitioned to Sabah's civil service, where he held key roles including Assistant District Officer, District Officer, Deputy Permanent Secretary, and Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Rural Development (KPLB). He retired as the Deputy State Secretary (Development). Currently, he is the Group CEO of POIC Sabah Sdn Bhd, where he is credited with leading growth and innovation. PBS highlighted several reasons why Fredian is their top choice to contest Melalap: Born and bred in Melalap, with a deep understanding of local challenges. Decades of leadership experience in government and corporate sectors. Respected across ethnic lines by community leaders and grassroots. A long-time advocate for development in Melalap, even before entering politics. His candidacy is driven by a sense of duty rather than political ambition. Represents a symbol of unity between Murut and Chinese communities. Seen as a key figure to help GRS consolidate support in the interior.

Kunak candidate up to Chief Minister: Usno division head
Kunak candidate up to Chief Minister: Usno division head

Daily Express

time14 hours ago

  • Daily Express

Kunak candidate up to Chief Minister: Usno division head

Published on: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 23, 2025 By: Ibrahim Tabir Text Size: KUNAK: The United Sabah National Organisation (Usno) Kunak Division is prepared to leave the decision on the most suitable candidate for the Kunak seat to the discretion of the Chief Minister and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Usno Kunak Division Chief Hussein Ibnu Hassan said candidate selection should be based on grassroots majority sentiment, taking into account current issues being raised by opposition parties. 'The selection must also consider local issues, including any controversies involving specific individuals. To ensure the election machinery can effectively counter these issues, the candidate chosen should not only be popular, but also free from any perceptions or controversies that could undermine public support,' he told Daily Express, Tuesday. He said Usno is open to accepting any decision by the GRS Chairman regarding which component party will contest in any given seat, including the Kunak seat. 'We are open to the decision, but it is important that the individual chosen is not entangled in multiple issues or controversies, as that could affect the candidate's chances of winning,' he added. Hussein, who is also Usno Vice President, said as a GRS component party in Kunak, Usno maintains good relations with fellow coalition parties, including Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star), Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS) and Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat), even though there may occasionally be differences of opinion. 'Differences of opinion are normal in any party, but Usno is confident that minor internal issues among component parties can be resolved, unless they involve individuals entangled in controversies beyond the party's control,' he said. 'If the incumbent from Gagasan Rakyat is fielded again to contest in Kunak, we leave the decision to the voters during the election. Let them decide,' he said. He also said Usno had previously submitted a proposal through its President for an Usno candidate to contest the Kunak seat. 'Ultimately, the final decision rests with the GRS Chairman on which component party will contest here,' he added. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia

Umno, Amanah divisions lock horns over Kota Iskandar seat
Umno, Amanah divisions lock horns over Kota Iskandar seat

Free Malaysia Today

time18 hours ago

  • Free Malaysia Today

Umno, Amanah divisions lock horns over Kota Iskandar seat

Amanah's Dzulkefly Ahmad (left) said PH should contest the Kota Iskandar state seat, while Umno's Abd Aziz Sapian said they would let the people judge who truly served their interests. PETALING JAYA : The Iskandar Puteri divisions of Umno and Amanah are gearing up for a possible clash in the next Johor state election, as both stake their claim for the Kota Iskandar seat. Iskandar Puteri Amanah chief Dzulkefly Ahmad had recently said Pakatan Harapan should contest the state seat currently held by Umno, even if it meant a three-cornered fight with its ally Barisan Nasional. 'There is no issue if PH has to face a three-way contest there, including against BN,' he was reported as saying. Dzulkefly, the former Kota Iskandar assemblyman, added that the division had agreed to make this call during its annual general meeting on July 20. 'This shows Amanah's commitment to strengthening the party's presence in Johor and PH's position in such strategic areas,' he said. In response, Iskandar Puteri Umno said it respected the right of any political party to contest any seat and that it was not intimidated by the Amanah man's challenge. The Umno division's information chief, Abd Aziz Sapian, said the party remained committed to bolstering Johor's political stability for the sake of the state's development and the people's welfare. He added that seat negotiations were the prerogative of the leaderships of each party and coalition, not something decided by the divisions. 'The BN assemblyman for Kota Iskandar will continue to serve until the end of his term, unaffected by Amanah's political rhetoric. 'If Amanah chooses to split the votes, Umno sees this as proof of PH's weakness in managing internal consensus. The people will judge who truly serves their interests, and who is merely chasing power,' he said. In the 2022 Johor polls, the Kota Iskandar state seat was won by Umno's Pandak Ahmad with a majority of 4,360 votes ahead of Dzulkefly. Dzulkefly, the Johor Amanah deputy chief, previously said PH might consider going solo in the next state election as BN seemed unwilling to negotiate seat allocations. Johor is currently governed by BN, which has 40 elected representatives, while PH's 12 assemblymen only serve as backbenchers in the state assembly. The opposition comprises Perikatan Nasional's three assemblymen and one representative from Muda.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store