Penampang PKR chief Kenny Chua questioned Rural and Regional Development Minister Ismail Sabri over his promise made in 2016 during a visit to the district, demanding to know what was actually given.
“So far, I have not seen any significant changes that mirror the huge funds in the district. We still do not have a school in Moyog, for instance.
“The roads are still in a pathetic condition. As for the church, which was said to benefit from the funds, little progress has been made if any,” he told FMT.
Chua said this proved that the RM50 million promise was just a political gimmick by visiting dignitaries.
Among others, the money was to be used to construct 30 houses under the hardcore poor housing programme, the construction of a community hall in Kampung Sugud, new feeder roads in villages and to complete a church, which was supposed to have started construction work in 1999.
“Where are these roads? I don’t see any difference.
“It was only when Prime Minister Najib Razak came to visit Donggongon town last month that suddenly all the potholes were patched up.
“And Najib also announced an allocation to upgrade the Donggongon tamu.
“It is the local government which should have already carried out such upgrades earlier to ensure citizens enjoy comfortable and working facilities.”
Chua said the people are now left with the hope that at least part of the promise will be delivered.
“I think the people have had enough of such political gimmicks and I know in Penampang, they want to change the government.
“They are not saying this out loud and are just waiting for the election so they can make their voice heard,” he said.
The Penampang constituency has been represented by BN since 1999 until PKR candidate Darell Leiking defeated former Upko president Bernard Dompok in the 2013 election.
Both state seats under Penampang — Moyog and Kepayan — are also represented by the opposition, with PKR candidate Terrence Siambun winning the Moyog seat and DAP’s Edwin Bosi wresting the Kepayan seat from MCA in 2013.
All three have since left their respective parties, with Leiking and Siambun joining Warisan while Bosi joined Parti Anak Negeri.