SANDAKAN – The growing frustration among Sabahans due to poor basic infrastructure in the state may prove advantageous for Sabah Umno in the coming state polls.
Its information chief Datuk Suhaimi Nasir pointed out that the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government was losing support at the grassroots level because it had not effectively tackled the major concerns of the people, including problems with roads, electricity and water.
“Within three years, the state government, as announced by the Sabah finance minister, has successfully accumulated revenue of RM19.03 billion and received RM18.4 billion in federal development allocations.
“Despite having substantial funds, the people of Sabah continue to face problems with basic facilities such as roads, water and electricity.
“The condition of the roads is deplorable, filled with potholes and damage, causing frustration among the people, not to mention other issues involving water and electricity.
“Instead of addressing these concerns, the focus remains solely on politics,” the Libaran MP said in a statement today.
Sabah Umno, on the other hand, draws its strength from grassroots support and has the backing of the people, much like the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition.
He is confident that Sabah Umno, along with its allies in BN and the Sabah opposition, could produce a surprising outcome in the state election.
“Sabah Umno is currently reinforcing its frontline, preparing for both one-on-one and three-way contests in the upcoming state election,” he said.
Meanwhile, in responding to GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who was reported as saying that he was unfazed by the potential alliance between the state Umno and Warisan, Suhaimi said Hajiji’s statement demonstrated his frustration over the potential pact.
“Sabah Umno’s role in the upcoming polls is an internal matter. It shouldn’t concern outsiders.
“We will collaborate with genuine and principled allies in our struggle, irrespective of whether they are friends or opponents,” he added. – January 17, 2024
