SABAH IGNORED IN BUDGET 2011

SABAH contributed the second highest in term of GDP growth in Malaysia after Selangor. In 2008 Sabah contributed about 7.8% or RM29,827 millions compared to Selangor at 8.3%. The difference between giving and receiving is so glaring. Is this fair to Sabah?

In the national budget 2011 Sabah and Sarawak receive about 9.55 billion for projects such as plant building, infrastructure for roads, water and electricity supplies. The two East Malaysian States only get about 8% in term of value from the projects while Peninsular Malaysia receives more than RM109 billions. Obviously there is no justice for Sabah and Sarawak.

The oil and gas sector contributes 40% of the national revenue. Sabah and Sarawak contributes 45% of the crude oil and 64% of the natural gas respectively. Not to mention the revenue from our agriculture sector mainly Palm oil industry.

The poverty rate hovers at 16% in Sabah. In rural Sabah without access to electricity is at 23% and water is at 41%. In 1970, Sabah was the second richest state in Malaysia after selangor but today Sabah is ranked the 2nd poorest state in Malaysia if not the poorest.

So what has the BN State government done for Sabah in 47 years since forming of Malaysia? If the BN government continues to ignore Sabah this country will become another failed State. By reflecting on Najib's Budget 2011, does Sabah deserve to be called a "Fixed Deposit" of UMNO and BN?

Junz Wong DAP KK youth Chief reminded the Prime Minister that the RM5 billion 100-storeys Wisma Merdeka project alone can help solve Sabah's basic infrastructure. He called on the BN government to be fair to Sabah. We are not 2nd class citizen and we are not prepared to be sidelined anymore, he continued. Junz Wong said, the people should take note of BN's unfairness and poor treatment and let it be known through the ballot box. The 13th general election is not far away and with the emergence of a two-party system, Sabahans will have a choice between Pakatan Rakyat and BN. BN report card for the last 47 years has not been impressive.

Junz urge Sabahans to give Pakatan Rakyat a chance to govern the country. He said, the Pakatan Rakyat-led governments of Selangor, Penang, Kedah and Kelantan are doing so well where the people welfare comes first together and with a sound financial management. He added that there is no reason why Pakatan Rakyat cannot deliver at the Federal level.