KOTA KINABALU : – Former Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal has called for fairer distribution of subsidies across Malaysia, particularly during festive seasons, to foster unity and address economic disparities between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah.
Speaking to reporters, the Warisan President highlighted that while subsidies during festive seasons benefit Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah often feels sidelined in such initiatives. “As a leader from Sabah, I hope that initiatives like festive subsidies are extended to Sabah as well, to ensure that all Malaysians benefit equally,” he stated during a Chinese New Year walkabout in Lido this morning.
While he acknowledged the government’s recent move toward targeted subsidies, aimed to ensure assistance reaches those who need it most, Shafie stressed the importance of balancing these measures.
“For example, oil prices in Peninsular Malaysia might not seem directly linked to Sabah, but they do impact us. Products and goods are imported from Peninsular Malaysia, and increased production and transportation costs are eventually passed on to Sabahans,” he said.
He urged the government to consider the unique challenges faced by Sabah, such as higher transportation costs and reliance on goods from the peninsula, when formulating subsidy policies.
He also emphasised the need for subsidies to not only alleviate economic pressures but also to strengthen national unity. “Subsidies should not just target economic gaps but also serve as a way to bond Malaysians together, beyond race and religion,” he said.
Shafie further noted that disaster relief for floods and fires, while critical, should not overshadow the need for equitable resource distribution. “There must be a justified and balanced distribution of wealth in this country. This is how we can truly touch the hearts of all Malaysians,” he concluded.
