Outdated procedures hindering Sabah development - Borneo Post Online (2025)

KOTA KINABALU (Apr 15): Kemabong assemblyman Datuk Rubin Balang has brought attention to what he described as outdated government procedures that continue to hamper development efforts and frustrate the people of Sabah.

When debating the policy speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting on Tuesday, Rubin called on the state government to urgently review and reform bureaucratic processes that delay the implementation of critical infrastructure and economic programmes.

“The government must not be overly bound by obsolete procedures that only serve to disadvantage the rakyat.

“Agencies should be empowered to act more decisively without being tangled in red tape that slows down progress,” he said.

Rubin emphasised that while he supports the government’s policies on youth empowerment, food security, and integrity in financial management, these good intentions often fall short due to inefficient administrative practices.

He cited the long-standing delay in infrastructure projects, for example the case of the KM15 Tenom-Kemabong-Sipitang road, which engineers have warned is at risk of collapse.

“I was told the road could collapse at any time. This is a major route for residents, yet the project has been stalled for years due to procedural bottlenecks. Suddenly, a contractor appears to begin work after so long, this sort of unpredictability is unacceptable and dangerous,” he added.

Rubin also criticised the slow response of concession companies tasked with road repairs, saying the public often wrongly blames elected representatives for issues beyond their control.

“These delays are not due to a lack of political will. They stem from rigid, outdated procedures that tie the hands of departments like JKR (Public Works Department), making it hard for them to act quickly in emergencies,” he pointed out.

To address this, he proposed that district-level JKR offices be granted full authority to appoint contractors and initiate urgent repairs without having to wait for central approval.

“The current system doesn’t reflect the urgency on the ground. Empowering local departments could save time, reduce damage, and restore public confidence.”

Rubin further urged the government to support Class F Bumiputera contractors who often struggle to secure government projects despite holding valid licences.

“These small contractors want to contribute but get overlooked because of complicated processes. Some receive only one job in years, and by the time they apply for renewal, their licences are already void.”

He highlighted the success stories of companies that started with minor projects and grew into multi-million-ringgit enterprises, arguing that Bumiputera contractors deserve the same opportunities.

Turning to government-linked companies, Rubin acknowledged recent criticisms of Sabah Economic Development Corporation (Sedco) for appointing non-Bumiputera individuals to senior roles. While Sedco’s enactment doesn’t require these positions to be filled by Bumiputeras, Rubin suggested that a balanced, inclusive approach would benefit a multi-ethnic state like Sabah.

He also called on the government to clarify the status of guarana cultivation, noting that many farmers in Tenom have already begun planting the crop despite previous restrictions.

In closing, Rubin expressed confidence in the Chief Minister’s leadership and urged continuity for the sake of ongoing development.