Sungai Sibuga rep urges dedicated units to safeguard Sabah’s rights under MA63
by Jegathisan Sivanesan · Borneo Post OnlineKOTA KINABALU (Dec 15): Sungai Sibuga assemblywoman Lisa Hassan Alban has called on the government to establish dedicated units or ministries to protect Sabah’s identity, resources and rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Lisa welcomed the government’s recent renaming and functional expansion of five ministries, describing the move as necessary and positive.
However, she questioned the transparency of the rebranding exercise, noting that the official cost was listed as only RM10.
“Signboards, uniforms, and official documents all carry real costs. The rakyat deserves clarity, and this Dewan deserves transparency,” she said when debating the Sabah Budget 2026 at the state assembly here Monday.
Lisa also highlighted persistent problems in her constituency.
Water shortages remain severe in villages such as Kampung Tinusa 2, where thousands have waited six years for clean water.
Low water pressure and illegal connections have worsened the situation, while the department responsible for water management has insufficient staff to meet demand.
Road safety and urban planning were also raised as urgent concerns.
Dangerous roads, potholes, and poor street lighting put residents at risk, and traffic congestion in densely populated settlements like Kampung Tinusa 2 will continue to worsen without proper intervention.
“If the government allocates only RM20 for city planning in these areas, meaningful improvement is unlikely,” she warned.
She stressed that government promises are not enough.
“I cannot fully support this budget until the government takes clear, decisive, and measurable steps to address the people’s issues in my constituency and across Sabah. The people need action, not just words,” she said.