Sabah never a priority for peninsula-based coalitions: Pairin

Daily Express

07-07-2025

Published on: Monday, July 07, 2025
Published on: Mon, Jul 07, 2025
By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: Pairin responding to reporters at the event while johnny (left) and others look on. PAPAR: The Sabah Government must be led by local-based parties to ensure true progress for the State and people, rather than political coalitions dominated by Peninsular Malaysian parties. Former Chief Minister and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Premier Advisor Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan said it is crucial for local leadership to govern Sabah so as to safeguard the state's interests and drive development tailored to State's unique needs.
Advertisement 'It's very simple. If the dominant party (governing the State Government) comes from Semenanjung (Peninsular Malaysia), they are not really thinking about our development here. 'They have always been focusing more on their wilayah (regions). To be fair, this is Malaysia,' he said, after opening PBS Limbahau's 40th Annual General Meeting at the multipurpose hall of Mositun Kg Sungkadon-Novoung, Sunday. Also present were PBS Limbahau divisional head Datuk Johnny Mositun, PBS senior leaders Datuk Seri Radin Malleh and Datuk Edward Yong, former Buang Sayang assemblyman Datuk Claudius Sundang Alex, and divisional heads. Barisan Nasional (BN) — led by Umno in Sabah — governed the state for about 24 years continuously from 1994 to 2018 until defeated by Warisan in the 2018 general election. Pairin, who is also Huguan Siou or paramount leader of the Kadazandusun Murut (KDM) community, was asked to explain his call to the delegates here on the importance of making sure local parties become the backbone of the State government. Based on his political knowledge and experience as well as holding various ministerial portfolios during the then governance by BN in Sabah for almost three decades, he said key issues under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) remain unresolved even after more than six decades since the formation of Malaysia. 'It's (claiming for Sabah rights and interests under MA63) still on the negotiating table. That cannot be — we're supposed to be over 60 years already, and yet we are still suffering,' he said. Pairin urged Sabahans to ensure local parties get the mandate to form the State Government. 'That must be the focus because the thinking and heart of local parties of Sabahan leaders lies sympathetically with the state and its people,' he said. Asked whether his stance aligned with the slogan 'Sabah for Sabahans,' Pairin replied, 'Yes, that is the reminder.' Earlier, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Deputy-Secretary General Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali expressed the same sentiment. To a question, Pairin said PBS is ready to defend the Limbahau State seat in the coming State poll; besides other constituencies. He said PBS has long championed Limbahau and that it was only fitting for the party to contest the seat again. 'Our PBS Limbahau divisional head (Datuk Johnny Mositun) has been fighting for such a long time, non-stop. I think it should be considered. This is not over yet; it's still ongoing. 'As for other constituencies, everyone has their own opinion. We will deliver it to the party leadership to be discussed and considered,' he said. Pairin also called on Sabah youths who have turned 18 and automatically become voters to cast their votes as they are leaders who will inherit and shape Sabah's future and the nation. 'It is very important for leaders in political parties to ensure that the younger generation realize that they have the responsibility. 'The responsibility is to realise that this is their country, this is their state, this is their home, and this is where they expect to work and have families – where their future lies. Meanwhile, PBS Acting President Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam said co-operation with peninsula-based parties is important, but priority must be given to political stability and leadership at the state level. He added that such collaboration should only exist when local parties (GRS) are at the helm of Sabah. 'Sabah is our homeland. We understand it better and are in a stronger position to resolve issues in a more inclusive and comprehensive manner,' he stressed. He also reminded PBS members that they are the backbone of the party and urged the entire party machinery to rise and champion PBS's aspirations throughout the state. 'We must work hard for the party and support each other to achieve success,' he 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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