Sabah's future lies in local hands, not political pressure

The Star

17-05-2025

KOTA KINABALU: A recent proposal that Sabah must align politically with the Federal Government parties to receive full cooperation and assistance undermines the democratic rights of Sabahans.
Sabah STAR information chief Anuar Ghani said the idea proposal, mooted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his deputy Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, urging cooperation between Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan, was viewed as putting political pressure on the people of Sabah.
'This approach contradicts the spirit and rationale of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and diminishes the constitutional right of Sabahans to choose the parties they believe in, without coercion,' he said in a statement on Saturday (May 17).
He added that Sabahans should not be subtly threatened with the possibility of being sidelined in development if they vote for local parties that are not aligned with the federal government.
Anuar argued that development is a right, not a political reward and the state should be treated fairly, regardless of which parties govern federally.
'Who else can better take care of Sabahans than Sabahans themselves?' he asked.
Citing Article 112A and Part IV of Schedule 10 of the Federal Constitution, Anuar said that the RM600mil allocation announced by Anwar only represents 3.1% of Sabah's rightful 40% revenue entitlement for the year 2025.
He said the federal government still owes Sabah 40% of its revenue for the past 51 years.
'Pay us what is owed first, then we can discuss further. Show us the money,' he added.
Anuar also took issue with attempts to bring Peninsula-based parties into Sabah as a way to revive Umno's relevance, claiming the party has already been rejected in multiple states, including Terengganu, Kelantan, Perlis, Kedah and Sarawak.
'Sabah, like Sarawak, wants to be led by local parties,' he said, noting that any negotiations with the Federal Government should be handled by Sabahans appointed in the Federal Cabinet, who must act as 'bridges and messengers' on behalf of the state.
He warned that such representatives must not be swayed by power or personal interests.
'We have seen past leaders outmanoeuvred by Federal leaders. That is in the past. No more,' he said.
He praised Sabah STAR president and Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan for his persistence and resolve in championing Sabah's rights and called on current federal appointees to emulate that determination.
He also noted that the joint statement by Anwar and Zahid had only raised political awareness among Sabahans and strengthened support for local parties.
'Rumah kita, kita jaga (Our house, we take vcare),' he said.