Shafie: Sabah can progress without govt’s help

Sabah is very much capable of prospering and becoming an industrialised state even if the Federal Government does not offer help, says caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.

“Sabah has been with the Federal Government for almost 60 years and yet we are still among the poorest states in Malaysia; there is still so much basic infrastructure not available, so what does this show?” he asked during the launch of the Kota Kinabalu Landscape Beautification Blueprint here yesterday.

A resource-rich state, Sabah could generate income and develop far better than other states if resources were managed properly, he added.

“The future of Sabah relies on Sabah and its people. The most important thing is to have the right policies, a systematic direction as well as cultivating the right values and mindset among its people who strive for betterment and improvement,” he said.

Shafie advised people to not depend on their status or special native and bumiputra rights to live based on assistance and grants, but instead learn and work hard to improve their livelihoods.

On other matters, Shafie said former chief minister Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat’s statement that the newly set up state Education and Health Department was a waste of resources and a redundancy was absurd.

“Does he not see that our schools are still dilapidated, without electricity? We can’t wait for the federal (govt) to give funds. I went to Long Pasia to help the school there. So what is this wastage he is talking about?” he asked.