logo
Sabahans urged to back local governance

Sabahans urged to back local governance

Daily Expressa day ago
Published on: Sunday, July 20, 2025
Published on: Sun, Jul 20, 2025 Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) vice president Datuk Peter Mak ( pic ) has urged Sabahans to unite in support of greater state autonomy to ensure the state's development keeps pace with the rest of the country. Speaking at the PBS Api-Api, Luyang and Likas joint AGM, he said meaningful progress is possible only when Sabah has full control over its own affairs.
Advertisement Mak said local leaders are better placed to understand and address community needs, drawing from his experience leading PBS in Labuan. He clarified that the autonomy push should not be viewed as anti-Federal, but rather a step toward development driven by local priorities and realities. He also called on voters to support Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) in the upcoming state election, saying a strong mandate is essential to uphold Sabah's rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). * 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.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

X accuses French prosecutors of politically motivated free speech probe
X accuses French prosecutors of politically motivated free speech probe

The Sun

timean hour ago

  • The Sun

X accuses French prosecutors of politically motivated free speech probe

PARIS: Elon Musk's social media platform X has accused French prosecutors of launching a politically motivated criminal investigation, claiming it threatens users' free speech. The company denied all allegations and stated it would not comply with the probe. Earlier this month, Paris prosecutors escalated a preliminary investigation into X over suspected algorithmic bias and fraudulent data extraction. Authorities enlisted police to examine potential wrongdoing by the company or its executives. 'Based on what we know so far, X believes that this investigation is distorting French law in order to serve a political agenda and, ultimately, restrict free speech,' the platform posted on its Global Government Affairs account. 'For these reasons, X has not acceded to the French authorities' demands, as we have a legal right to do.' In a sharp rebuke, X also alleged the probe was instigated by French lawmaker Eric Bothorel, who accused the platform of manipulating its algorithm for foreign interference purposes. X dismissed the claim as 'completely false.' The Paris prosecutors' office and Bothorel did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Musk, a former ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, has repeatedly criticized European governments for what he sees as attacks on free speech. He has also expressed support for some of the region's far-right parties. The French investigation could widen tensions between Washington and European capitals over online discourse regulations. Former Trump administration officials have previously accused platforms of censoring right-wing voices globally. X further objected to prosecutors' demands for access to its recommendation algorithm and real-time user post data, which would be analyzed by researchers David Chavalarias and Maziyar Panahi. The platform accused both of showing 'open hostility towards X,' raising concerns about the probe's impartiality. Neither researcher responded immediately to requests for comment. X also criticized the use of organized crime charges in the investigation, which could allow authorities to wiretap employees' personal devices. The case follows similar legal scrutiny in France against Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, who faces judicial supervision over alleged organized crime on his platform. Durov denies wrongdoing. Earlier this month, Musk agreed with Durov's claim that French officials were 'waging a crusade against free speech and tech progress,' responding simply, 'true.' - Reuters

GRS likely to maintain electoral pact with Sabah Pakatan in upcoming state election
GRS likely to maintain electoral pact with Sabah Pakatan in upcoming state election

The Star

time3 hours ago

  • The Star

GRS likely to maintain electoral pact with Sabah Pakatan in upcoming state election

KOTA KINABALU: Despite growing grassroots calls for Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) to contest solo, the coalition is expected to retain its electoral pact with Sabah Pakatan Harapan for the upcoming 17th state election. Chief Minister and GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor confirmed discussions with stakeholders, including Prime Minister and Pakatan Harapan chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, emphasizing continued cooperation with both state and federal governments. "We will make the best decision for Sabah because, for us, political stability is key," Hajiji said at a scholarship presentation in Kota Kinabalu on Monday (July 21). Hajiji, also Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah president, prioritizes stability over electoral victory and indicated GRS's intent to contest the majority of the 73 state seats. Seat negotiations are ongoing, but Hajiji insists GRS must lead by contesting most constituencies. While Hajiji supports continued collaboration with Sabah Pakatan, grassroots pressure for GRS to go solo has intensified, particularly after a joint convention by Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Sabah STAR, where chants of "solo" highlighted support for state-based governance without national coalition reliance. This sentiment reflects long-standing frustrations among Sabahans towards federal leaders and peninsula-based parties, who are accused of sidelining local concerns. Tensions are further fueled by Sabah Umno's involvement in the federal government. Accusations against them attempting to unseat Hajiji's administration last year led to a significant rift between parties. Gagasan Rakyat is set to hold a three-day convention this weekend, seen as pivotal for mobilising the party's machinery in anticipation of a potential snap election. "This convention is important as we will be facing the state election any time," Hajiji noted.

GRS committed to PH alliance, says Hajiji
GRS committed to PH alliance, says Hajiji

Borneo Post

time3 hours ago

  • Borneo Post

GRS committed to PH alliance, says Hajiji

Hajiji with the scholarship recipients. KOTA KINABALU (July 21): Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) president Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor has confirmed that GRS intends to continue its cooperation with Pakatan Harapan (PH) under the current state government structure. 'Yes, of course. We want to continue the cooperation within the current government — the state government of GRS and PH,' he said when asked whether the pact between GRS and PH would be formalised. When asked if GRS would contest the majority of seats in the upcoming election, Hajiji responded: 'Certainly.' 'We also want to listen to local aspirations, so we will make the best decision for Sabah. For us, political stability is very important — not just winning the election, but ensuring stability after the election. Only then can we plan and develop our state,' he told reporters today at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC). Hajiji also shared that discussions with PH had taken place several times, including talks with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is the chairman of PH. 'I think we will make a final decision. Of course, we will announce it when the time comes,' he added. Hajiji was responding to questions regarding the upcoming Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah general assembly, scheduled for this weekend. He said the three-day assembly is being held in accordance with the party's constitutional requirements. 'This time, the meeting is considered important because we may face an election at any time after the assembly,' said Hajiji, who was attending the State Scholarship Awards presentation ceremony at SICC. Speaking on the scholarship initiative, Hajiji expressed pride in the state government's continued prioritisation of education. 'In my development roadmap, I've made human capital development a key focus. Over the past few years, we've seen success in assisting not only high-achieving students but also those in need of support,' he said. Hajiji added that he hopes talented Sabahans will return home to serve the state after completing their studies. 'We hope that when they pursue courses relevant to current developments, it will create more employment opportunities. We want them to come back and contribute to Sabah — both in the government and private sectors,' he said.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store