Sabah polls: Youths urged to 'wake up' and take charge of their future
Speaking at the joint Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS)-Sabah STAR Convention at the Hongkod Koisaan in Penampang on Saturday (July 12), he warned that Sabah is still being dictated to by national parties.
As such, he said, it was for the people, especially youths, to reclaim the state's autonomous rights under the Federation.
'This is your home, your state. Don't just let others govern you and decide your future. You must stand up and save Sabah,' said the 84-year-old former chief minister and founder of PBS, which toppled the ruling Parti Berjaya in 1985.
ALSO READ: Sabah polls: GRS faces tough fight to stay in power, say analysts
His comments came after some 7,000 people at the convention chanted 'Solo!' in unison, calling for Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) to contest the next state election on its own, without help from national parties.
The chant, which echoed through the Hongkod Koisaan hall in Penampang, sent a message that Sabahans are ready for local parties to lead the state on their own terms.
Pairin, now PBS' premier adviser, did not directly say if GRS should go solo, but he made his position on local-led leadership crystal clear.
Parti Bersatu Sabah founder Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan (right) shakes hands with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor after the PBS–Sabah STAR Convention at the Hongkod Koisaan in Penampang on Saturday (July 12).
Asked if he wants Sabah to be governed by strong local parties like neighbouring Sarawak, he replied: 'Well, you know the conclusion. You make a comparison, of course, it is like Sarawak. But come on, they (national-based parties) are playing with us.
'We should not be controlled by national-based parties. Just look at Sarawak, they are running the show themselves,' said Pairin, who is also Huguan Siou (paramount leader) of the KadazanDusun Murut.
ALSO READ: PBS, Sabah STAR grassroots call for GRS to go solo in upcoming Sabah polls
He also criticised the delay in implementing the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), saying that Sabah is still begging for what was promised decades ago.
'We are kneeling on the ground asking them to return our rights. Is that what you want to keep doing? No, of course not. We should be back on our own feet. Wake up!" he stressed.
He urged young Sabahans, especially first-time voters, to take their role seriously in shaping the future of the state.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor giving the thumbs up to Parti Bersatu Sabah founder Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan (right) and other leaders before leaving after launching the closing the PBS–Sabah STAR Convention at the Hongkod Koisaan in Penampang on Saturday (July 12).
'They must remember, this is their home. Their fight is for Sabah's future. Do not just allow others to govern you and hold back your rights,' he said.
Although GRS has not made a formal decision on whether to go it alone in the coming state election, a growing chorus of voices is urging it to take charge of its political direction.
'Let them (GRS leaders) work together. But the goal must be to save Sabah,' Pairin added.
Chief Minister and GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor acknowledged the sentiment but said any decision will be made collectively through the GRS supreme council.
ALSO READ: Sabah state assembly's done for the current term, says Hajiji as polls loom
He stressed that while the Chief Minister has the prerogative to advise on dissolving the assembly, consensus among all coalition partners is crucial.
While Hajiji avoided committing to the 'go solo' call, both Sabah STAR president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and PBS acting president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam openly supported it.
Kitingan favoured minimal seats for electoral partners outside the coalition, while Gunsalam insisted GRS must remain the dominant faction.
Hajiji stated previously that he prefers to maintain ties with Sabah Pakatan Harapan but is not open to working with Sabah Barisan Nasional.
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