Time for Sabahans to unite, act as one

Daily Express

11-05-2025

Published on: Sunday, May 11, 2025
Published on: Sun, May 11, 2025
By: Datuk Roger Chin Text Size: A Digital Mirror of Discontent Across thousands of WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages and TikTok videos, a striking consensus has emerged – Sabahans are angry, disillusioned and tired of being left behind. What began as sporadic complaints about potholes and blackouts has evolved into a collective, clarion call for change. These are no longer just personal rants—they are expressions of a deeper societal frustration and more importantly, a growing political consciousness. A Legacy of Neglect Sabah remains a land of paradox. Rich in oil, gas, timber and biodiversity, yet among the poorest in Malaysia by almost every socioeconomic measure. Infrastructure is crumbling. Clean water is unreliable. Electricity supply is inconsistent. Education and healthcare facilities are under-resourced. Roads in rural areas often turn to mud during the rainy season. And yet, federal development funds arrive late, diluted and conditional. This is not just a policy failure. It is a betrayal of the promise of Malaysia should mean. Youth Losing Faith and Leaving Sabah's youth—educated, aspirational and globally connected—are increasingly losing faith in their future here. Many are leaving for better opportunities elsewhere. Others stay behind but disengage, convinced that no election or political figure can make a difference. This brain drain is more than a demographic concern; it is a slow erosion of Sabah's long-term potential. The People's Vision of a Unity Government for Sabah What is emerging from public discourse is not just a demand for better governance, but a bold vision for Sabah's political future. More and more Sabahans are calling for a unity government comprising Sabah-based political parties—one that reflects the full diversity of voter sentiment but is united by a common goal: to govern Sabah on its own terms. The inspiration, again and again, is Sarawak. There, political unity has translated into negotiating strength with Putrajaya, clearer development agendas and a government that speaks with one voice. Sabahans are asking—why not us? With a unity government, all voices of the people can be accounted for. When political differences give way to shared responsibility, we move in one direction, with one voice. Imagine how powerful Sabah can be when we replace disjointed debates and political negativity with unified purpose and collective resolve. No longer distracted by endless dissent, we can channel our energy into rebuilding, reforming and realising Sabah's true potential. A Question of Political Will Given the overwhelming public support for political unity, the question must be asked - why haven't Sabah's political leaders delivered what the people so clearly want? The answer, increasingly, seems to lie not in ideology—but in ego. Personal rivalries, factional grudges and the pursuit of political dominance have taken priority over the common good. In some cases, vendettas from past political battles continue to poison present-day negotiations. This is not leadership—it is abdication of responsibility. Egos and Vendettas Must Be Set Aside It is time for Sabah's politicians to confront a hard truth - you were not elected to serve your party, your pride, or your ambitions. You were elected to carry out the will of the people. Sabahans are not demanding perfection. They are demanding maturity. They are asking their leaders to put aside ego, personal vendettas and political one-upmanship—and to act in the spirit of service, compromise and collective progress. Sabah has had enough of backdoor deals, sudden defections and endless blame games. What the people want now is stability, accountability and a united front for progress. Inclusivity Is Not Optional Any unity government worth its name must also reflect the diversity of Sabah's political voice. The current State Assembly includes a sizeable opposition bloc—elected by Sabahans who believed in their vision. To exclude them from governance is not only undemocratic but a disservice to hundreds of thousands of constituents. Unity does not mean sameness. It means cooperation. It means putting people before party. And it means acknowledging that no single party has a monopoly on Sabah's future. A Turning Point for Sabah Sabah is not a weak state. It is a resilient land, rich in spirit, culture and resources. What it lacks is political coherence and shared direction. This is a defining moment. Sabah's leaders must rise above factionalism, embrace unity and form a government that truly reflects the people's will. To continue down the path of division is to risk losing the trust—and patience—of the very people who put them in power. Now The people have spoken—in elections, in online forums and in their daily frustrations. The only question that remains is whether Sabah's politicians have the humility, wisdom and courage to listen. History is waiting to be written. Let it be one of unity, strength and a Sabah finally moving forward—together A Final Word of Hope Sabah is a land of golden opportunities—blessed with rich resources, vibrant cultures and a people full of resilience and talent. If we strategise boldly and govern wisely, there is no reason Sabah cannot rise to become one of the richest and most successful states in Malaysia. The road ahead may be challenging, but it is not impossible. We must not give up. The future of Sabah is not written in stone—it is ours to shape. Let us rise together, with unity and purpose. The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]