SABAH minister-in-charge of health, Datuk James Ratib, has lamented over the slow pace the public sector executes development plans for the state.
James did not mince his words when he accused senior officers of having poor knowledge of procedures, particularly concerning land matters.
He said the bulk of federal projects in Sabah have been delayed by land matters, adding that it was better for Putrajaya to privatise the projects to speed things up.
“There are still many officers, including senior officers who do not understand all the processes related to land.
“They are confused. They do not understand (the process) and we are forced to come down and explain things to them.
“We have had two meetings just to brief them on land matters. Land matters have been the major problem hampering development in Sabah,” he said at his ministry’s Hari Raya function today.
James who is the Sabah Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister also said the federal government should privatise the construction of the blood bank in Sabah.
He said RM86 million has been allocated for the facility under the 12th Malaysia Plan Rolling Plan 3 but was hit with delays due to bureaucracy.
“We can give the money to a private institution and through collaboration with the government, they can still offer the fees set by the government.
“With private contractors, I am certain the project can be completed at a faster rate,” he said.
This was not the first time the minister had been blunt in his comments towards the public sector in Sabah.
Previously, James had hit out at the Federal Land Commission as having not used state land for federal services such as health facilities.
He said some health clinics are occupying land without titles from as far back as 1979. – The Vibes, April 29, 2024.
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