‘Ex-leader delayed development in Sabah, Sarawak’

SIMUNJAN: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has extended his heartfelt apologies on behalf of the Federal Government to the people of Sabah and Sarawak, who have endured severe delays in development for decades, especially in rural areas.

He said had a past leader paid attention to development in the states during his 22 years in power, Sabah and Sarawak would be on a par with other states by now.

Zahid is believed to be referring to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He said the federal administration, led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, admitted the mistake and was making amends for the failure of the previous leader by developing the two states over the last nine years.

“We admit that rural areas in Sabah and Sarawak are still far behind, and we apologise for what was done by the longestserving former prime minister.

“This is why, since Najib took over, we have accelerated development in the two states,” he said at a meet-the-people gathering in Simunjan here on yesterday.

Present were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan, who represented Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Abang Openg; Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri; and, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Masir Kujat.

Zahid said among the infrastructure necessary to accelerate growth in the interior was a network of roads to connect small towns and rural areas to major highways.

“This is why, when we planned the Pan-Borneo Highway, we also ensured that small towns were connected to the highway.

“This can boost their economy and infrastructure, thus speeding up the growth that the people want.”

He said to ensure that the people benefited from a complete development, Najib’s administration practised a system that did not need elected representatives to call for infrastructure development projects.

“This method focuses on meetings between component parties to determine what the people need without having to wait for letters from elected representatives, especially from the opposition, asking for development.

“This mechanism has helped us identify the needs and wants in each area.”

During his visit, Zahid surveyed the condition of the Simunjan district police headquarters, which was dilapidated and frequently hit by floods.