Leadership quality, not party origin, drives political transformation, says Sabah Umno Youth chief
KOTA KINABALU: Political transformation doesn't depend on whether a party is local or national, but on the quality and integrity of its leaders, says Sabah Umno Youth chief Sufian Abdul Karim.
Calling out what he described as 'recycled leadership', he said Sabahans are being asked to believe in change from individuals who once held power and failed to bring lasting progress, and are now re-emerging under the banner of local parties.
'What is the use of shouting 'local party' when its leaders are just old ministers from the past, jumping to a new platform to stay in power?' he said in a statement on Sunday (May 11).
Sufian urged voters not to be swayed by sentiment or slogans, but to assess political parties based on their record of delivering real development.
He said Umno and Barisan Nasional have maintained a consistent focus on infrastructure, education, employment, and upholding people's rights, without the need for theatrics or hiding behind a 'local' identity.
'The people of Sabah are not easily misled. They know who truly serves and who merely plays politics,' he said.
Sufian urged the public to reject political narratives that benefit only a select few, saying it is time to move beyond emotional rhetoric and focus on results.
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