Kota Kinabalu: Umno Sabah has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to hand over the implementation of a RM4.06 billion rural water supply project to the State Government, describing it as a significant move in strengthening Sabah’s autonomy and administrative capacity.
In a statement, State Umno Liaison Committee Secretary Samasuddin Yusop said the announcement was made by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister.
He said the initiative involves 83 Rural Water Supply (BALB) projects, which are expected to help address long-standing water supply issues in Sabah, particularly in rural areas.
Samasuddin said water supply problems in the State were not merely technical in nature, but also involved structural challenges and unique geographical factors.
He said the decision to delegate implementation powers to the State Government would allow faster, more targeted decision-making in line with local realities and needs.
“This approach is in line with the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which emphasises Sabah’s autonomy in managing development matters, especially basic infrastructure and public welfare,” he said.
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He added that UMNO Sabah appreciated the Federal Government’s confidence in the State Government’s ability to implement large-scale and critical projects.
Samasuddin said the priority moving forward must be to ensure that all projects are implemented efficiently, transparently and with integrity so that the benefits could be delivered directly to the people without delay or leakage.
He said UMNO Sabah remained committed to acting as a strategic partner in ensuring the State’s development agenda was effectively implemented for the well-being of the people and a more sustainable future for Sabah.
