Sabahans have two choices in coming polls: Maslan

Daily Express

4 days ago

Published on: Friday, July 18, 2025
Published on: Fri, Jul 18, 2025 Text Size: Maslan urged Sabahans to view the M4S framework in a broader light, describing S4S as a seasonal slogan that tends to re-emerge during elections. Kota Kinabalu: Sabahans are faced with two major ideological paths in the 17th Sabah State Election – Malaysia for Sabahans (M4S) or Sabah for Sabahans (S4S). While S4S is being championed by local political parties advocating state autonomy and local interests, M4S is framed as a more national-centric agenda promoting inclusivity and unity within the Malaysian Federation.
Advertisement Umno Central War Room Secretariat Chief, Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, said the M4S concept aims to promote national unity, integration and equity while still respecting the rights and interests of Sabahans. 'M4S also means that Sabahans are not only for Sabah but for entire Malaysia. After all, we are one nation of 14 states and territories,' he said. He was speaking during a working visit to the state on Wednesday night, adding that the S4S agenda is more limited in scope compared to the broader and more inclusive M4S. However, he made no reference to the Sarawak situation which also emphasises a 'Sarawak first' policy, where Federal Government departments are also headed by Sarawakians, unlike in Sabah. According to Maslan, an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 Sabahans are currently in Peninsular Malaysia for work, education or due to intermarriage. It is a testament, he said, to the inclusive nature of the Malaysian federation. 'Wouldn't it be better for Malaysia to belong to all Sabahans? Sabahans can travel to Sarawak and the Peninsula, and at the same time, Sarawakians and Peninsular Malaysians can find a home here in Sabah too,' he said. He said many from the peninsula and Sarawak are already integrated into Sabah society, serving as police officers, military personnel, teachers, doctors, nurses, technicians, engineers, and more. He urged Sabahans to view the M4S framework in a broader light, describing S4S as a seasonal slogan that tends to re-emerge during elections. On Sabah umno's autonomy, particularly in selecting candidates, he said the party employs a consultative approach, carefully listening to every proposal submitted. 'But let's be clear. There are no Peninsular Malaysians heading Umno at any level in Sabah. It is the Sabahans who lead the party here.' At the same time, Ahmad said Umno-Barisan Nasional (BN) needed to win all, or at least a majority of the seats it contests if it hoped to be the core component in forming a new unity government after the election. He believes this is achievable if the party machinery can rally voters to unite behind Umno-BN candidates, with the party expected to contest up to 30 seats. 'In politics, nothing is impossible. We can regain the people's trust to rise again, especially after Sabahans have experienced several changes in government,' he said. He added that strategies for the upcoming state election have been finalised and handed over to each division's party machinery to execute for maximum impact. * 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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