11 January 2020

 
Sabah's economic growth lowest in 10 years in 2018

Despite being swept into power for nearly two years at both the state and federal governments, Sabah's economy has not only remained sluggish, it has also deteriorated.

According to the Statistics Department, Sabah’s GDP growth rate slowed sharply registering a mere growth of 1.5% in 2018, the lowest ever recorded in nearly 10 years.

The Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition and WARISAN made various promises prior to the 14^th general election (GE14), including a pledge to alleviate the rakyat’s burden upon winning the elections. However, despite its successful outing, their promise to reduce oil prices has been overlooked, while the prices of more than 100 items have risen with the implementation of the SST. One after another, aid and welfare for the underprivileged have been cut back, while the Pan Borneo Highway project has also fallen into uncertainty.

Since PH came into power, the economy has grown sluggish while the markets are experiencing a slowdown. Nor have the rakyat’s income increased, and cost of living burdens continue to climb. 

Whilst campaigning for GE14, PH vowed to repay 20% of oil royalty to oil producing states, however no progress has been made since taking office.

Despite vowing to repay 20% of oil royalty to oil producing states, not only has no progress been made since taking office, PH even refuses to honour this promise under various pretexts, much to the disappointment of Sabahans. Not being a beneficiary of Sabah’s funds to develop the state’s economy has caused Sabah’s growth to crack further. A helpless WARISAN could not put up a reasonable fight. The federal government sidelines Sabahans while WARISAN has lost its courage even before the polls. Are they Sabahans? Is this the government you want?

The Kimanis by-election is not an election that can change the government. Irrespective if BN or Warisan wins or loses the by-election, the rakyat should seize this golden opportunity to convey their voices to both the federal and state government via the ballot box that people are dissatisfied with their methods of governing. 

A pragmatic attitude should focus on improving people’s livelihoods, formulating long-term plans and a complete economic development blueprint to liberate Malaysia and Sabah from the economic downturn. Therefore, to reach this goal, the rakyat must have a strong opposition MP. Monitoring, checking and balancing the government begins with the Kimanis by-election.

Dr Pamela Yong

Wanita MCA Sabah Chairperson

-MCA Online-