TUARAN: The implementation of the Desa Madani Development Committee will not improve the economy as explained by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Gabungan Rakyat Sabah information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai commented on Ahmad Zahid's assertion last week during programmes in Sabah, which suggested that the committee would benefit the people.
"I don't see how it will improve the economy when there are already two committees overseeing the villages.
"We want Sabah to manage itself. Why does Kuala Lumpur not consider this? The people cannot be fooled. This affects the pre-conditions of our cooperation. Certain parties will continue to remain relevant through divide and rule tactics.
"Under the Chief Minister's department, every village is administered by only one committee. This is a firm stance. Enough is enough," he said during the Kaamatan festival in Kiulu.
Meanwhile, the Kiulu assemblyman mentioned that the constituents here have been doing well in tourism, with one of the villages earning up to RM20,000 per month from the industry.
The state Tourism, Culture, and Environment Deputy Minister and Sabah Tourism Board chairman also added that the constituency has at least 400 people working in tourism.
He believes that with more infrastructure development and greater recognition of tourism sites such as the Murug Turug trail, the industry will further improve.
Joniston also encourages the people in Kiulu to further develop the agriculture sector, as the land area in the constituency is vast.
When the constituency produces enough crops such as ginger and pineapples, he said the area could support downstream factories.
"This aligns with the Sabah government's direction to advance agriculture and industrialisation as we are already on track in the tourism sector."
Ends.
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