'Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga' slogan not anti-federal, says PBS info chief
KOTA KINABALU: The slogan 'Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga' (Our Home, We Protect) is not a sign of hostility towards the Federal Government, says Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said.
'Instead, the slogan is a patriotic reminder that Sabahans should take responsibility for their own future,' the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) information chief said at the first joint convention between PBS and Sabah STAR in Penampang on Saturday (July 12).
He added that the phrase reflects the deep emotional connection Sabahans have with their homeland and echoes the values expressed in the state anthem, namely unity, pride, and ownership.
'This slogan was never meant to reject the Federal Government. Instead, it highlights our belief that Sabah should be treated as an equal partner in Malaysia,' he said.
He explained that the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition adopted the slogan to promote local empowerment and decision-making, particularly by Sabah-based parties.
Citing lyrics from the state anthem such as 'Sabah tanah airku, negeri kita yang tercinta' and 'Sabah negeri merdeka', he said these lines mirror the sentiment behind the slogan, a call for Sabahans to protect and take pride in their state.
'Sabah is committed to Malaysia. But our development, education, and infrastructure policies must reflect our local realities. Decisions made in Putrajaya without understanding our challenges only hinder our progress,' he added.
Bangkuai took aim at several top-down decisions made without consulting the Sabah government, including the establishment of the Jawatankuasa Kemajuan Desa Madani (JKDM) and the federal announcement on joint oil and gas development in Ambalat waters.
While acknowledging the recent increase in Sabah's special grant from RM53mil to RM600mil as a step forward, he reiterated GRS' firm demand for the return of Sabah's 40% revenue entitlement as stated in the Federal Constitution.
He also dismissed claims that the slogan was mere political rhetoric.
''Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga' is a sincere and urgent call for fair treatment and shared responsibility. It is about respecting Sabah's right to shape its own destiny within the Malaysian federation,' he said.
Bangkuai expressed hope that if the concept behind the slogan is embraced, it will foster stronger trust and cooperation between Sabah and the Federal Government.
'Fulfilling what is rightfully Sabah's will go a long way in building a more united, harmonious, and stronger Malaysia,' he said.
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