KOTA KINABALU: The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah government has shown its magnanimity in acknowledging the concerns raised by demonstrators regarding the ongoing water issues, said its information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
"Deputy Chief Minister and Works Minister Datuk Shahelmy Yahya has met the demonstrators to receive their memorandum on behalf of the chief minister, indicating the state government's openness to public engagement and transparency.
"However, the group insisted on delivering the memorandum directly to the chief minister, suggesting ulterior motives and insincerity," he said in a statement.
Joniston, who is also assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment minister, said it is crucial to consider whether this demonstration was really about water issues or if it was to undermine the state government.
He also said the participation of individuals without identification documents was also concerning and warrants further investigation.
"What is important is that the state government acknowledges the long-standing water challenges and that efforts are ongoing to resolve them.
"It is a legacy problem inherited since the previous administrations, including when Parti Warisan was in power, but the current state government remains dedicated to finding effective solutions," he said.
Joniston said significant funds have been allocated to improve water supply, including in rural areas, and these improvements will take time.
"While the GRS state government respects the right to peaceful demonstration, we urge constructive cooperation to address these critical issues together.
"Certain groups may continue organising demonstrations under the guise of upholding democratic rights, but the state government's commitment to resolving water issues, along with other concerns such as electricity and roads, will be proven over time."