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Prof: Sabah is still struggling on basic needs
Published on: Thu, Jul 24, 2025
By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: Nga highlighted that playing up issues of race, religion and region during elections, saying it risks dividing the people. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah is still struggling to fulfil the basic needs of its people despite the nation having passed through various stages of development, said Social and Youth Policy expert of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Associate Professor Dr Janice Nga. She said input gathered during the recent Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) showed many Sabahans are still grappling with fundamental issues, those at the bottom tier of Maslow's hierarchy. 'This shows we're still lagging behind. It's not about fixing roads just before VIP visits and leaving them to fall apart later. 'If we are serious, we must ask: When will this road be completed? How many more communities will get basic utilities?' she said. She also pointed out that sincere leadership, not just plans, makes a difference, noting that Sarawak's progress came from administrative consistency and integrity. 'Sabah was ahead once, but now Sarawak has overtaken us because their leadership was consistent from the Chief Minister to the Premier. That's the key,' she said. Nga highlighted that playing up issues of race, religion and region during elections, saying it risks dividing the people. 'In Sabah, our issue isn't race or religion, but it's regionalism. We often hear 'Sabahan' versus 'non-Sabahan' being used like there are invisible borders within our own state,' she said. She also emphasised that some leaders fear empowering the rakyat, worrying that once people become self-reliant, they'll no longer need political crutches. 'There are leaders who want the rakyat to remain dependent. Because once united and independent, the people might no longer support them,' Nga said. Nga called for unity based on shared aspirations rather than identity politics and said sincerity should be the benchmark, not a leader's place of birth. 'If someone from the peninsula is genuine about helping Sabah, why not? Just like the Inpuma team that came not for personal gain, but to contribute,' she added. She urged the public not to fall for political rhetoric that undermines leadership integrity for the sake of votes. 'A good leader, no matter where they come from, they can bring good to Sabah,' she said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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