RM3.1 mln for opposition reps
KOTA KINABALU: The state government has announced a special allocation of RM100,000 to the 31 opposition state assemblymen (ADUN) in the state.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said the special allocation for each of the opposition assemblymen is to assist them to address problems at their respective constituency following the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Out of responsibility, I am giving the special allocation as proof of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) compassion. The allocation is to assist the opposition assemblymen to reduce the burden of their constituents due to the pandemic.
“The giving of the special allocation is in line with the effort of the GRS government which wants to ensure the people facing the challenges brought forward by the pandemic are assisted as well as possible,” he said.
He said this when launching the presentation of appointments to native chiefs, representatives of native chiefs, Chinese community leaders and village heads for the Sulaman and Pantai Dalit constituencies.
Hajiji who is also the Finance Minister hoped that the allocation will provide some comfort to the constituents under the opposition.
He said that the special allocation incurs a total expenditure of RM3.1 million and will be channelled as soon as possible to all opposition assemblymen through their respective district offices.
On the event, Hajiji hoped all the new appointees could help the government to realise the aspirations of the people and bring about development, particularly in Tuaran.
“I hope the native chief appointed can play a role and carry out his tasks with full responsibility and bring honour to the Native Courts. Improve your knowledge in the respective fields so that you can carry out the role as judge well.
“As for the Chinese community leader and village head appointed, I hope they will be professional in carrying out their duties without caring about political leanings, religion and race at their constituencies.
“As the leader nearest to the people, the village head and Chinese community leader must be the eyes and ears of the government so that all problems facing the people and their constituency is known, particularly during this pandemic,” he said.
Hajiji also presented appointments to 117 recipients involving native chiefs, representative of native chiefs, Chinese community leaders and village heads from Sulaman and Pantai Dalit.
Also present at the event were Rural Development Minister Datuk Jahid Jahim who is also Tamparuli assemblyman, Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai (Kiulu assemblyman), Assistant Finance Minister Jasnih Daya (Pantai Dalit assemblyman) and Tuaran District Officer, Sadan Husain.