KOTA KINABALU: Hardcore poverty in Sabah can be eradicated if the federal government restores the state's rights, says a Parti Solidariti Tanahairku (Sabah Star) leader.
The party's vice-president Datuk Kenny Chua said this included Sabah's entitlement to a 40 per cent share of net revenue derived from the state and control over its oil and gas resources.
He said Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli's remarks that hardcore poverty in Sabah was six times the national average was nothing new.
Earlier today, Rafizi said the the rate of hardcore poverty in Sabah stands at 1.2 per cent in stark contrast to the national rate of 0.2 percent.
He also said the Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2022 report showed that the rate of hardcore poverty in eight Sabah districts was higher than the national rate
"This is like telling a poor man how miserable his life is after taking away everything he owns that can make his life better," Chua said in a statement.
"Give back what is rightfully ours and we'll show you how we will make Sabah a prosperous state."
Chua said for the past five decades, numerous state administrations have struggled to realise development plans due to a lack of funds.