By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 22: Political pundit Dato Peter Minos has described Sabah as being in a “big problem, even a crisis,” citing water shortages, electricity disruptions, floodings, pothole-ridden roads and the incomplete Pan Borneo Highway as evidence of a State government “not in command of things and situations.”
Minos, who recently spent more than a week in Sabah, said he was shocked to see the widespread miseries faced by ordinary Sabahans, noting that even the proddings from the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi during their visits did not seem to spur relevant agencies into quick action.
“The glaring people’s sufferings and miseries of having no water and electricity do not seem to move the relevant agencies to act fast,” he lamented in a statement today.
He further pointed out that Sabah’s key economic sector—tourism—is bound to suffer.
“Imagine tourists going to seaside Semporna and the islands, putting up in hotels without water and electricity. That is really a put-off. They will think twice before making a return,” he said.
Minos also highlighted how poor road conditions dampen the visitor experience, citing examples such as tourists heading to Labuk Bay to see proboscis monkeys or visiting Sipanggar and Salut for seafood, only to face rough roads riddled with potholes.
“The long drive from Sandakan to Tawau is tough, going through potholes and rough roads. It causes body aches and damages vehicles,” he added.
He further questioned why the Pan Borneo Highway in Sabah has yet to be completed despite federal funds being allocated.
“If those responsible for repairs of plants, roads and depots cannot do things speedily, something is very wrong somewhere,” he asserted.
Minos also raised concerns about poor connectivity and basic amenities in smaller towns.
“Even handphone lines were on and off all over. At Lahad Datu you could not get bottled drinking water, and petrol station toilets were locked. All these make life so miserable,” he said.
Calling on Sabah leaders to take responsibility, Minos urged them to end political squabbling and focus on the people’s needs.
“As I see it, those ruling in Kota Kinabalu must really shape up. Get things done speedily. Cut the endless politicking, make compromises, stop finding scapegoats. If not, Sabahans will continue to suffer greatly and needlessly.
“I really feel so sorry for the ordinary Sabahans who go through the miseries year in and year out,” he stressed.
He drew comparisons with Sarawak, pointing out how the State has completed its portion of the Pan Borneo Highway, fixed public utilities promptly, and achieved relative political stability that enabled smooth development.
“With developed status and prosperity gradually seen across the horizon, Sarawak is showing how things can be done when there is political unity and effective governance,” he said.
Minos also reminded Sabah voters that the coming state election, expected by November, would be a chance to demand better.
“Sabah voters can rethink and review situations. Just get a government that is effective, proactive and looking after Sabah well—cutting off the empty promises, big boasts and shady parts. Only Sabahans can shape and determine their own future and destiny, not others,” he said. – DayakDaily
