KOTA KINABALU: Government departments and agencies in Sabah have been told to carry out complete due diligence when it comes to handling government projects.

The reminder came from newly minted State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun who said this must be done for all projects regardless of their value.

This was to ensure, he said, that every ringgit spent by the government on projects would truly benefit the people as intended.

"I want to make sure that all necessary investigations and verification prior to and post-project approvals are conducted properly and according to standard procedures.

"This is to ensure that every project approved by the government truly benefits the people of Sabah and no loopholes are abused and the government does not fall victim to fraud," he said.

Masidi said this when chairing a K56 Trust Account meeting at his office in Menara Kinabalu here on Thursday (Feb 2).

He stressed that among the government’s priorities was to make sure the people felt the benefits of development and improvement to their lives and livelihood.

"Therefore we must always do what is right, not what is popular," he said.

Projects of all levels and values should be treated with the same level of diligence and attention, regardless of whether they are carried out by contractors or concessionaires, he added.

Meanwhile, the Finance Minister while chairing a post-Cabinet meeting the previous day also welcomed the newly appointed Assistant Finance Minister, Tan Lee Fatt who took the oath of office before Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin last week.

"I welcome Tan and I believe our team is only strengthened further with his presence together with (fellow) Assistant Finance Minister Datuk Julita Majungki and political secretary Rina Jainal," he said.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/02/02/sabah-govt-depts-agencies-reminded-to-exercise-due-diligence-on-projects