KOTA KINABALU: A Sabah MP has questioned the state government’s claim of a 94% success rate for its Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan, pointing to the state’s unemployment rate, which remains the highest in the country at 7.7%.

Datuk Suhaimi Nasir, who is both Libaran MP and a nominated assemblyman, said the figure, which translates to more than 169,800 jobless people, was not just political rhetoric but based on official data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia.

“This is more than twice the national average of 3.2%, and even higher than states like Sarawak (3.3%), Kelantan (3.8%), and Kedah (1.7%),” he said in a statement on Tuesday (July 8).

“If SMJ 1.0 really achieved 94% success, why are our people still struggling to find jobs?” he asked.

Suhaimi acknowledged state claims of economic growth and RM35bil in investments brought into Sabah, along with over 400 projects, but questioned the actual impact on employment.

“The people want to know how many real jobs were created, and how many of our youths have secured permanent employment through these projects,” he said.

He also highlighted the RM1.33bil reportedly spent on human capital development and the establishment of over 160 coordinated TVET centres, asking why Sabah graduates were still unemployed.

“94% completion means nothing if people are still poor and jobless,” he said.

“People do not live on statistics. They need employment, stable income, and a future for their children,” he added.

Suhaimi called for an independent audit of SMJ 1.0 to determine if the plan has truly benefited the people, proposing that it be conducted by a professional and transparent body, not a government agency.

Earlier on Tuesday, the state assembly heard that from housing and healthcare to job creation and student aid, SMJ 1.0 has delivered significant results, with 94% of its initiatives now implemented.

Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan told the state assembly that 366 out of 467 initiatives under the plan had been completed as of May this year.