KOTA KINABALU – The handling of floods and the Covid-19 pandemic will be the highlights as Sabah convenes its legislative assembly from today onwards.
However, a motion to strengthen the state government’s jurisdiction in terms of health has already been rejected.
The assembly will kick off with an opening address by Governor Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, while debates are expected tomorrow (Wednesday) and winding-up speeches on Thursday.
Today’s sitting will be the assembly’s first in more than six months due to various lockdowns.
Phoong Jin Zhe (Luyang-DAP) told The Vibes that Speaker Datuk Kadzim M. Yahya has rejected a motion on legislation concerning disease control in Sabah.
The motion was filed on August 28 on the basis that the British-era Sabah Public Health Ordinance does not cover control of infectious diseases, although, List III of the federal constitution includes provisions for the state to cover public health, sanitation and prevention of diseases.
Phoong and Datuk Ewon Benedick (Kadamaian-Upko) filed the motion.
“We were told that this is a federal matter but we want to challenge the state government to allow the motion.
“But the state government won’t do it. Health is on the concurrent list. We feel disappointed that this will not be raised in the state assembly.
“The assembly has so much power, but we will miss this important area as it also relates to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and state rights,” said Phoong, adding that floods and Covid-19 will be the main topics raised in the assembly session.
Sabah political analyst Lee Kuok Tiung said it is obvious that the state will reject the motion.
“Health is under federal control. When Warisan was in power, the creation of the Sabah Health Ministry saw that the scope of the state was small compared with the Sabah Health Department.
“I personally think Sabah should focus on what is under the state’s purview. For health-related issues, the state should talk to Putrajaya on how to enhance matters such as vaccinations, equipment and facilities.
“Sabah, in terms of progress, is still very much behind compared with other states; the numbers are low in many aspects,” said Lee, adding that the only aspect the state has come first in was beginning inoculation of teenagers aged between 12 and 17.
On the floods, the destruction and losses of properties by residents in Penampang’s Sugud area will likely initiate heated debate.
The Vibes has learnt that opposition reps will raise long-standing flood problems in the opposition-held constituency, especially Datuk Darell Leiking (Moyog-Warisan).
Leiking had already made a plea for the military to step in and assist with clearing works in Sugud.
Other matters expected to be brought up are badly maintained drainage systems, youth unemployment and the revival of the local economy. – The Vibes, September 21, 2021
