Shafie pledges ‘structural’ reforms to curb graft among Sabah’s reps

Warisan president Shafie Apdal said all assemblymen would be given special allocations to carry out basic infrastructure work in their constituencies. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: Warisan president Shafie Apdal has pledged to introduce “structural changes” to ensure Sabah’s assemblymen receive special funds and remain focused on serving the people instead of pursuing large projects and business relationships with contractors.

He said his administration would formalise an “improved salary system” for assemblymen, recalling how during his tenure, the state government increased the state secretary’s salary to curb corruption.

Shafie said Warisan’s goal is to form a clean and competent administration made up of professionals.

“Our party and government must be clean. We don’t want assemblymen who want to become businessmen after winning their seats.

“Your duty should be to help the rakyat,” he said during a ceramah in Sandakan tonight.

Shafie said all assemblymen would be given special allocations to carry out basic infrastructure work in their constituencies.

“When we are the government, I will allocate a special fund for their constituents. The money can be used to repair roads, bridges or upgrade facilities,” he said.

Shafie also turned his attention to Sabah’s longstanding social and infrastructural issues, pledging to improve healthcare, education and job opportunities for youth.

Promising greater investments in education, he said Warisan would fund university education for locals while creating more technical and tourism jobs across the state.

Shafie also reiterated his plans to establish Sabah’s own health and education ministries to better address local needs and to prioritise economic self-sufficiency.

In terms of economic self-sufficiency, he said Warisan would push for long-term projects, including a railway line linking Tawau and Kudat, and boosting padi production in Beluran to reduce reliance on rice imports.

“The future of Sabah must be determined by Sabahans,” he said.