Najib has allocated more for Sabah than Mahathir, says Musa

Sabah Chief Minister highlights how Prime Minister Najib Razak's allocations in 9 years far surpassed that of the past two prime ministers combined.

Musa addressing the state and federal civil servants in Kota Kinabalu today as Prime Minister Najib Razak looks on.

KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Najib Razak has given more to Sabah over the past nine years than Dr Mahathir Mohamad did as prime minister over 22 years, says Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman.

Musa said on the issue of rural development alone, there is a stark difference between the amount of allocations released by Najib and the former prime minister-turned-opposition leader.

He added that Najib’s contributions even eclipsed the combined efforts of both Mahathir and his successor, Abdullah Badawi.

“Mahathir had approved a total of slightly over RM1.5 billion for rural development projects under the 7th and 8th Malaysia Plan (MP) while Abdullah Badawi allocated RM2.48 billion for the 9th MP.

“But under the Najib administration, Sabah had been allocated RM7.68 billion for the 10th MP and RM2.68 billion for the 11th MP (3rd rolling plan until 2018).

“This means Najib had given a total of RM10.2 billion alone for rural development in his nine years and this does not even include other ministries,” he said during the state and Federal public sector service gathering with the prime minister here today.

Musa said this was because Najib understood that the second largest state needed greater allocations for development, adding the prime minister has never sidelined anyone and that Sabah will receive large allocations annually.

Najib also allocated RM500 million for the Tanjung Aru Eco Development (TAED) project he said, adding the PM also gave the green light for RM250 million for the building of the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).

The TAED is a game-changer for Sabah, which will turn the famous Tanjung Aru beach into a world-class tourist destination while the SICC will enable the state to host bigger events for domestic and international guests.

Meanwhile, Musa said the state government would not be able to develop Sabah on their own and needs the full backing of the civil service.

“The state and Federal civil servants have always given their cooperation and commitment to the government of the day.

“We do admit that there might have been hiccups or weaknesses in terms of integrity but overall the public service in the state is committed and dedicated towards executing their duties and responsibilities,” he said. -FMT