TWO Sabah MPs hailed a number of key initiatives in the midterm review of the 11th Malaysia Plan, with Putrajaya targeting more balanced development and providing for skills programmes for Sabah and Sarawak, as well as resolving the state’s native land issues.

Semporna MP Shafie Apdal and Tuaran MP Wilfred Madius Tangau also welcomed Putrajaya’s bid to identify and deal with the problems affecting regional development in Sabah and Sarawak.  

These issues concern electricity, water and connectivity, as well as logistics and transportation. 

Shafie, who is also Sabah chief minister, said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, in tabling the review today, expressed his desire for shared prosperity for all Malaysians.  

“No one should feel marginalised from mainstream development. 

“Development should also not be neglected in certain states or regions,” he said.  

Dr Mahathir, in unveiling the midterm review today, called for more emphasis on improving good governance and strengthening key institutions, while promoting balanced and inclusive development. 

Key initiatives laid out under the review were aimed at ensuring Malaysia would rise again as a regional powerhouse, he said. 

Shafie said under the review, development projects in Sabah and Sarawak would also be expedited to ensure a healthy economic growth for both states. 

He also lauded the move to construct 106 new telecommunication towers and upgrade the existing 400 others to improve broadband coverage in many remote parts of both states.

“Some 7,000 affordable houses will be built and 400 dilapidated schools will be uprgraded, as well as Papar Hospital and those in Miri and Lawas,” he said. 

Survey work and mapping of Native Customary Rights land would also be implemented to enable the land to be developed, while ethnic groups will be empowered through a number of programmes, opportunities in education as well as skills training and entrepreneurship. 

Tangau, who is also Sabah deputy chief minister, hoped the implementation of the strategies would help reform existing institutions and bring about stability, peace and harmony to all Malaysians. 

“The emphasis on good governance should begin with the separation of powers of the legislative, executive and judiciary, as stipulated in the Constitution.

“It is refreshing to note that the review emphasises the need for checks and balances, as well as the enhancement of relationships between federal, state and local governments units,” he said.  

Tangau also hailed the proposal to revive the Parliamentary Services Act as it would strengthen the role and function of Parliament.

“It is also refreshing that special programmes will be implemented for the Orang Asli, Anak Negeri Sabah and Bumiputera Sarawak in rural and remote areas as a way to empower these minority groups in Sabah and Sarawak. 

“This was also mentioned in the 8th Malaysia Plan but not much was achieved. 

“I hope this review will achieve better results, especially in an environment of enhanced good governance.”

Under the review, emphasis will be given to land tenure and ownership issues faced by many indigenous people in Sabah and Sarawak. – October 18, 2018.