Junz claims problems solved by Warisan resurfacing under GRS

KOTA KINABALU: The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) State Government was criticised on Wednesday, over the salary issues in Sabah Forest Industries (SFI) and University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF).

In a statement released, Warisan vice president Datuk Junz Wong said it is a shame that long-standing problems solved by the previous War is an administration is resurfacing under GRS.

"Of course the problems in SFI and UCSF [go] way back during the Barisan Nasional era. It was not an overnight issue.

"But when Warisan took over in 2018, those problems were solved.

"Now, the same old problem is re-ocurring under the leadership of GRS. Poor financial management."

It was reported last week that more than 2,000 SFI workers were facing salary issues since late last year.

In December 2020 and January 2021, SFI workers received their salaries late, while in February and March, there has been no news yet regarding salary payment.

Yesterday, it was reported that another 146 employees of UCSF had their paychecks cut by half since September 2020.

Junz said in both SFI and UCSF's case, former Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Shafie Apdal stepped in to resolve the issues, much to the delight of the workers.

"If you recall, UCSF staff were first notified of the cost-cutting scheme in June 2020.

"But the-then Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal stepped in, halted the decision and the workers continued receiving full salaries.

"Sadly after GRS came into power in September 2020, all these poor financial management is repeating itself, just like under the BN era."

Towards the end, Junz noted that a few victims have come forward to voice their discontent towards the current situation.

"Some of these affected workers spoke to me. They told me they miss Shafie's administration. They miss his commitment in ensuring the livelihoods of Sabahans remain intact."