KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has consistently pursued efforts to reduce and ultimately eradicate poverty in the state.
Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said under the GRS-PH plus government, a comprehensive master plan has been mapped out to improve the wellbeing of the people.
Citing an example, Jonistan said the government has approved 20 SMJ houses to worthy recipients for each constituency to uplift the living standard of needy rural folks.
The Kiulu assemblyman also said that the government has also increased the allocation for each state assemblyman from RM2 million to RM3 million.
This significant increase, he added, addresses the pressing needs of rural communities, marking another unprecedented commitment by the state government.
Poverty has been a perennial issue for Sabah and a constant topic used by the opposition to bait for public sentiments and support.
"Let's not point fingers as to who is at fault for the perennial poverty problem in Sabah but work together to find a solution to it," he said in a statement.
the national rate yesterday.
The Parti Bersatu Sabah Information Chief also said Rafizi's statement indicates that the central government knows what needs to be done for the state and that sufficient funds and allocations are key.
As such, he said the central government should speed up the restoration of Sabah's rights to the 40 per cent share of the state's net revenue and control over its oil and gas resources.
"The state government will strive for the sake of the people, but we need to be on the same page with the federal government on this.
"By indicating they know what it takes to eradicate poverty in Sabah, I believe it is only right for the federal government to restore the state's rights.
"By depriving the state of what is rightly ours, Sabah will continue to struggle to improve the people's livelihood, get adequate basic amenities, infrastructure and development."