KUCHING, Nov 10 2026: Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan has expressed his concern about the timing, manner and possible political implications of the RM680 million Sarawak Basic Necessities Contribution (SKAS) 2026 distribution during the caretaker-government period and in the approach to the Sarawak state election.
He urged the Election Commission and relevant authorities to monitor the distribution of public welfare programmes during the election period.
"Any attempt to link public assistance to political support must be investigated and prevented," he said in a statement.
He noted that SKAS Phase 3 payments begin today, Nov 10 2026, covering 901,857 recipients, including 26,979 new recipients identified through STR 2026 data while the new recipients will receive the full 2026 allocation: RM1,100 for households, RM600 for senior citizens and RM375 for single individuals.
"This is not a small sum. It is public money, amounting to RM680 million, being disbursed at a time when Sarawakians are being asked to decide the future of their state," he said.
He clarified that PBK does not oppose assistance to deserving Sarawakians, saying that every eligible citizen deserves support, regardless of political affiliation, race, religion or location.
"But public welfare must never become a political favour. It must never be used to create a sense of obligation, gratitude or electoral advantage for the incumbent government or any political coalition," he said.
He stressed that the people must not be made to feel that assistance is a gift from politicians, stating that public money is not a campaign fund.
He agreed that Sarawakians need help, not political strings.
He said they need dignity, not dependency and they need a government that serves the people, not one that uses public money to protect its own political position.
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