Neglect us and we will vote against you, Sabah BN rep tells Putrajaya

KUALA LUMPUR (Malaysia): ― A government lawmaker from Sabah has warned the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition that voters from the Eastern Malaysian state will not hesitate to vote differently if they continue to be neglected .

Kalabakan MP Datuk Seri Abdul Ghapur Salleh lamented that the federal government has continued to treat Sabah like a “step-child” even after the state chose to unite and form Malaysia 51 years ago, noting that most of its indigenous inhabitants remain poor despite claims of national  growth.

“51 years since we have gained independence but Sabah continues to be treated like a stepson. If the rural folks there hear of what I say I guarantee you they will vote against us,” Ghapur said while debating Budget 2015 in the Dewan Rakyat here.

The veteran Umno leader pointed out that development has been scarce in Sabah and official income statistics mask the reality that many indigenous people of the state live in abject poverty.

Pointing to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's recent claim that his government has managed to slash hardcore poverty to 1.7 per cent nationwide, Ghapur said there is a disconnect between the official figures and on-the-ground reality.

“He said it is 1.7 per cent, we all know this is not the case. People there are still struggling to meet ends meet,” he said.

Ghapur also pointed to federal control of Sabah’s development and resources as evidence of Putrajaya’s unfair treatment of the state.

He noted that the state receives only 5 per cent of royalty in return for oil extracted from its territory, while development in Sabah is controlled by companies from the peninsular.

Ghapur said it was no surprise that a so-called secessionist movement was taking root in Sabah given the lopsided policies accorded to a state that helped BN retain power in the previous two general elections.

“Our people remain poor. Our oil royalty remains low and when there is development, like the upgrade of the pan-Borneo highway, it is given to Syed Mokhtar,” he said.

It was reported that UEM Group Bhd will be partnering MMC Corp Bhd, an engineering and construction group owned by tycoon Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Albukhary, for the project.

Ghapur warned that Putrajaya cannot continue to ignore the frustration of Sabahans and urged for immediate action to address the grievances of its people to avoid a voter backlash in the upcoming national polls.

“Please listen. I am conveying the voice of Sabahans’ hearts. Put your ear to their chests and listen.”

Sabah and Sarawak came to BN’s salvation amid an opposition onslaught that saw the ruling coalition take one seat more than the Pakatan Rakyat pact in the peninsula during last year’s general election.

The results prompted Prime Minister and BN chairman Datuk Seri Najib Razak to appoint more Sabahan BN leaders into his Cabinet, but the move did not dispel grouses over lopsided treatment by Putrajaya.

Political observers have said the two east Malaysian states will be the key battleground that will decide if BN will continue to rule over Malaysia.