Opposition lawmakers can ask Sabah govt for funds, says Hajiji

Opposition lawmakers can ask Sabah govt for funds, says Hajiji

KOTA KINABALU: Opposition assemblymen can ask the state government directly for development funds if there is a pressing need, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

He said the people’s welfare would always be the state government’s priority.

“The state does not sideline districts or areas helmed by opposition leaders. In fact there are allocations given to these areas directly via the district offices,” he said at the state assembly sitting here on Wednesday (April 24).

“But if there are other pressing needs for the people, opposition leaders can apply from us (me) directly and we can consider as long as it is for the people,” said Hajiji.

Moyog assemblyman Datuk Darell Leiking (Warisan) had posed this question.

Later, Senallang assemblyman Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (Warisan) asked why opposition leaders are not informed when the Federal funding they applied for is approved.

“If the funds are approved and have been channeled, why are we (opposition leaders) not informed,” he asked.

Warisan is the opposition in Sabah, but is aligned to the unity government at the federal level.

Hajiji said as a leader of Sabah, he sometimes is also unaware if fundings have been channeled.

“I think there are some shortcomings on the part of district officials or the state development office management. We will take note and improve on this,” he said.

He has also instructed the state secretary to inform all local leaders and district officers on this matter.