Zainie Abd Aucasa
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Action Body Advocating Rights (SABAR) has welcomed recent policy announcements by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor on the restructuring and enhanced oversight of Government-Linked Companies (GLCs), describing them as a meaningful step towards strengthening public trust.
Its Chairman Datuk Zainie Abd Aucasa said the announcements indicate that the State Government is taking seriously the aspirations expressed through the Sabah Voices to Action initiative and the Sabahans’ Aspirations and Demands report.
“The directive for all GLCs to implement quarterly performance reporting beginning January 2026, together with the commitment to restructure underperforming entities, demonstrates the State Government’s seriousness in responding to Sabahans’ long-standing calls for greater transparency, professionalism and accountability,” he said.
Zainie noted that such concerns had been consistently raised during SABAR’s statewide townhall consultation sessions, particularly on the need for stronger governance and clearer accountability in state-linked companies.
“By introducing regular reporting and firm accountability, to be followed by the long-awaited structural changes, the State Government is signalling its intent to uphold integrity and merit-based stewardship of public assets,” he added.
Beyond governance reforms, Zainie said SABAR also welcomed the clearer articulation of ministerial roles in the Education, Science, Technology and Innovation as well as Women, Health and Welfare portfolios.
“A focused and strategic approach in these sectors is essential to addressing many of the recommendations raised in the report, particularly in improving education outcomes and healthcare delivery,” he said.
Zainie reaffirmed SABAR’s readiness to collaborate and play an active role with the Chief Minister’s administration in advancing the reforms.
“The steps taken so far reflect a growing understanding that Sabahans are seeking meaningful structural improvements. We look forward to continued partnership to ensure that the aspirations of the people, from accountability in GLCs to stronger education and health systems, translate into lasting, positive change for Sabah,” he said.
