PAPAR: Bongawan Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has dismissed Warisan’s claims of significant development brought in by its incumbent, Dr Daud Yusof, saying the narrative does not reflect the realities faced by residents over the past five years.
Bongawan GRS Women’s chief Ramlah Sidek (
pic) said Warisan’s sudden release of a long list of aid, programmes and alleged major initiatives has become an election-season routine that rarely matches what voters actually experience.
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She said the narrative pushed by the party does not align with the daily struggles still faced by Bongawan residents.
“Warisan is confused between actually doing the work and making statements, and every time an election approaches, that long list of so-called initiatives suddenly appears,” she said.
Ramlah said voters frequently tell GRS that they do not see the development Warisan claims when party representatives visit villages.
She said that if significant development had truly taken place, Bongawan would not still be facing longstanding problems such as damaged roads, limited job opportunities and economic projects that were never realised.
Ramlah said Warisan focuses too heavily on small-scale assistance such as RM2,000–RM3,000 school contributions, minor house repairs and village electricity aid.
She acknowledged that while such assistance is useful, it is insufficient to bring meaningful economic change to Bongawan.
“The people want more than that because they want a comprehensive development plan, job opportunities and real strategies for youth development, not just annual assistance,” she said.
Commenting on Warisan’s claim that the Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal (SOGT) is “quiet,” she said the statement reflects Warisan’s failure to ensure continuity of strategic projects when it governed the State.
She said SOGT, initiated by Tan Sri Anifah Aman, should have been strengthened and expanded during Warisan’s administration instead of being left idle.
Ramlah said the contrast between the opposition candidate and GRS’ candidate is increasingly clear to voters in Bongawan.
She said GRS candidate Tan Sri Anifah Aman brings federal-level networks, ministerial experience and strategic capabilities unmatched by other contenders.
“One side is busy showing receipts of annual aid, while the other is Tan Sri Anifah, who brings national networks, federal experience and long-term economic direction,” she said.
According to her, young and first-time voters increasingly believe Bongawan’s future requires a national-calibre leader who can attract investment, create high-value jobs and revive major projects that have stalled.
She said many residents feel that five years of experimentation has been enough and now want a leader who delivers results, not one who only announces assistance during election season.
Ramlah said GRS offers more stable and consistent leadership with the capacity to deliver large-scale change through Tan Sri Anifah’s state and federal experience.
She said leading Bongawan should be about vision, strategic connections and the ability to open new opportunities rather than yearly handouts.
GRS believes that its comprehensive development plan, commitment to strengthening SOGT and long-term economic strategy will be key factors in securing support from Bongawan voters in this state election.
