Why are Sabah govt agencies holding onto land meant for villagers?

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Sabah Government Agencies Instructed to Re-evaluate Land Holdings for Villagers

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal has directed the Land and Survey Department to investigate land ownership, with a specific instruction for government agencies and government-linked companies (GLCs) to return any land that rightfully belongs to the people. This directive stems from concerns that entities like Sawit Kinabalu and Safoda may be holding onto land that should be allocated to villagers for their use and housing. The Chief Minister highlighted that the financial wealth of these agencies is of little consequence if the local populace remains impoverished, emphasizing that official bodies should not wield their authority to override the rights of ordinary citizens.
Concerns Over Land Dispossession by Official Bodies

The Chief Minister expressed a prevailing sentiment that government agencies and GLCs are encroaching upon land intended for villagers. He explicitly stated that if agencies such as Sawit Kinabalu and Safoda possess land that is meant for the public, these entities should relinquish it. This call for redistribution is underscored by the perceived disparity in land allocation, where the Chief Minister questioned why ordinary citizens are restricted to 15 acres for residential purposes while businessmen, referred to as 'towkays,' are granted much larger tracts of land.
Re-evaluation of Land Allocation Practices

A core issue raised is the potential for abuse of power by government agencies and GLCs, who are urged not to disregard the fundamental rights of the people. The Chief Minister's directive implies a need to scrutinise existing land holdings by these bodies and to ensure that land is not being held in a manner that disadvantages local communities. The instruction to the Land and Survey Department signifies a formal process to examine these land ownership records and address any discrepancies.
Emphasis on Public Welfare Over Agency Wealth

Shafie Apdal articulated that the substantial financial reserves of agencies like Sawit Kinabalu lose their significance if the people they are meant to serve continue to face poverty. This perspective frames the land issue not merely as a matter of ownership, but as intrinsically linked to the socio-economic well-being of the populace. The underlying principle is that the operational mandates of government-linked entities should align with, rather than detract from, the welfare of the general population.

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Why are Sabah govt agencies holding onto land meant for villagers?

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