KOTA KINABALU – Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has downplayed the controversy surrounding the RM320 million federal funding aimed at addressing the state’s water issues.
He said the nature of the fund, whether a soft loan or grant, is of little importance, as the primary focus is resolving the pressing water issues.
“It does not matter whether the funds would be in the form of grant or soft loan, as long as the water and electricity issues are resolved.
“We have a lot of plans to fix these problems…the state government wants to end these issues as quickly as possible,” said Hajiji, adding that they are also looking into building dams as part of efforts to resolve the state water woes.
Hajiji said this when met by reporters at the signing ceremony between Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park and McDonald’s here today.
The Sulaman assemblyman further explained that the fund could arrive at any time, while suggesting administrative matters could be behind the hold-up.
Hajiji had previously announced that Putrajaya has allocated RM320 million for 20 projects as a short-term fix to Sabah’s water crises.
Questions however were raised when Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya hinted that the fund could be a soft loan during the state assembly sitting last week.
Moments later, Sabah Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun pointed out that he had been informed the funds would be in the form of an interest-free loan.
“However, I hope the federal government will convert it into a grant,” he said when met at the closing ceremony of the Sabah Finance Ministry Integrity Week. – The Vibes, August 18, 2023
