Letter to Editor
I was delighted to read the recent article in Focus Malaysia titled “GRS-ruled Sabah State Government Puts Public Trust First as Graft-Buster MACC Acts” (published June 20, 2025).
The report fills me with hope that my concerns regarding the Land and Survey Department (LJS), the Sabah Housing and Urban Development Board (LPPB), and the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) may finally be addressed.
The article highlights Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s commitment to clean governance and strengthening integrity among government members and public servants.
This is truly heartening, and I look forward to seeing how the Integrity Department will respond to my complaints about DBKK’s lack of response to multiple emails I sent since 2022.
It is also reassuring to read that the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition upholds the rule of law without shielding anyone from scrutiny.
I hope this extends to investigating LPPB’s non-response to my emails and the unclear delays by LJS in sharing the results of the spot level survey conducted in June 2023, pending approval from an unspecified “authority”.
Additionally, I urge a review of how DBKK issued the occupancy certificate for the Vistana Heights project based on allegedly falsified as-built survey and development plans.
The article’s emphasis on due process and the courts delivering justice is commendable.
However, I wonder if ordinary citizens should have to resort to legal action to address such issues, potentially tarnishing the government’s reputation due to the actions of a few.
The state’s cooperation with enforcement agencies and its focus on accountability are promising steps.
As the article notes, “The strength of GRS lies not in avoiding challenges but in responding to them with principle, clarity, and purpose.”
I couldn’t agree more and hope this signals a new era of transparency and responsiveness in Sabah’s governance.
Thank you for highlighting these developments. ‒ June 23, 2025
Luqman Michel
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
The views expressed are solely of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main image: Amazing Borneo Tours
