‘Sabah for Sabahans' slogan gains momentum

Daily Express

25-05-2025

Published on: Sunday, May 25, 2025
Published on: Sun, May 25, 2025
By: Datuk John Lo Text Size: NEVER seen such phenomenon before in my lifetime. 'Sabah for Sabahans' is on many Sabahans' lips. Common conversation everywhere, in kedai kopi, café, meeting rooms and offices, among predominately young and professionals. They are most concerned because it is their future. 'Sabah for Sabahans' can their insurance for them and their families. The slogan gained more momentum after a Malayan leader said that 'Sabah for Sabahans' is divisive. Most Sabahans would not agree with his assertion. Likely that he is out of line with the deep feelings of Sabahans. Many Sabahans have taken to express the aspiration of 'Sabah for Sabahans' with their poetic talents. Of the many that I have read, the best is from KP Mau [Mau Kam Ping] who is an eminent lawyer, proficient in French, German and other languages. And an accomplished poet. KP Mau, to my mind, has captured the essence of the 'Sabah for Sabahans' aspiration perfectly. Please see below: 'Sabah for Sabahans' is more economic than politics.
Advertisement Yes, politics and economic are intricately intertwined. Cannot separate the two in real life, especially in the context of Sabah. However, for the common Sabahans, it is more economic that have birthed the on-going strong 'Sabah for Sabahans' aspiration, out of decades of sheer frustrations, neglect, ignored, sidelined, exploitations, broken promises. Too many Sabahans are living in dire poverty. Very shamefully to have so much resources and yet so much poverty. After decades, Sabahans cannot tolerate this sort of 4th world status quo. Things must change for the better. Sabahans cannot allow our wealth to be siphoned out of Sabah indiscriminately and continuously. This must be stopped. It can only be stopped when we have leaders who love Sabah enough to implement 'Sabah for Sabahans' Read KP Mau's master piece again to comprehend why Sabahans are so fed up! Not all 'Sabah for Sabahans' Leaders are Saviours. False prophets aplenty! Shouting 'Sabah for Sabahans' in the run up of 2025 election is gaining popularity. An attractive slogan to leech on. Many will claim what they have done, will do or can do for Sabahans. Beware of the noise of insincerity. However, Sabahans must decern with the greatest care and sieve away the Sabahan and outsider false prophets. Many are wolves in sheep's clothing. Helpful to check their personalities and track records. Have they been really practicing 'Sabah for Sabahans' or 'Sabah for their pockets.' Qualities/Qualifications required for 'Sabah for Sabahans' Leaders. It does not mean all will be OK if some 'Sabah for Sabahans' leaders have been elected. That would be a grave mistake. Blind fighters are useless. They can do untold damages. Here are some qualities/qualifications to look for: [1] Exemplary of character and conduct. [2] Courteous in manner. [3] Easy of approach. [4] Steady and firm in principles especially in being faithful to the aspiration of 'Sabah for Sabahans' [5] Able and willing to undertake the management of government and Sabah's economy. [6] Above all, courageous, wise, and sanguine in regaining Sabah's rights, especially 40% share of net revenue, The New Sea Act 2012, representation in all important agencies, GLCs/GLICs and economic ownership restructure, especially oil and gas, oil palm plantations. Is 'Sabah for Sabahans' illegal? Divisive? Every state has its version of 'Sabah for Sabahans' explicitly or implicitly. Looking after people of the state is the sacrosanct duty of every state government. Duty of the Federal Government is to look after all Malaysians. HRH Sultan of Johor, being a caring and benevolent ruler, is very fond of expressing his love for all Johoreans, irrespective of race or religion. How can 'Sabah for Sabahans' be divisive? Is it good for Sabahans to have 'Sabah for non-Sabahans'? It does not make sense to any Sabahan that 'Sabah for Sabahans' is divisive. What comical logic is this? Do Sabahans want to share our wealth with others? Will Malaysians from Selangor say 'Selangor for Sabahans'? Or 'Penang for Sabahans'? All Sabahans should demand for 'Sabah for Sabahans' from Every Sabah based Party in 2025 Election. Our future will be determined by the leaders to be elected in 2025. Good if the leaders are for 'Sabah for Sabahans.' Otherwise, it will be very bad for all Sabahans. In any case, why would a Sabahan, in his right mind, want to give his vote to a leader who would not practice 'Sabah for Sabahans.' He must be insane! Back up 'Sabah for Sabahans' with manifestos, policies, and implementation plan. Talking is cheap, shouting slogans most unproductive. There must be seriousness in professing 'Sabah for Sabahans.' Parties or leaders who cannot produce these are wasting our time. They are riding on the aspiration of 'Sabah for Sabahans' without thinking or working through its essence. They will condemn Sabahans to where we have been in the last 40 years. 2025 election must produce a Strong Government to implement 'Sabah for Sabahans' Aspiration. A fractious government cannot do much for 'Sabah for Sabahans.' Looking at current scenario, unity will remain an elusive distant dream. Hopefully Sabahan parties can agree to embrace the aspiration of 'Sabah for Sabahans' with their own versions. The most effective and beneficial is a united, strong, and focused government to implement 'Sabah for Sabahans.' Imperative that Sabahans must give the next government a strong unequivocal mandate for it to implement 'Sabah for Sabahans.' Sabah Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga. Sabah is Our Home, We Look After. Vote for a new future, Vote for Sabah. Vote for 'Sabah for Sabahans'. RISE SABAH: THIS OUR DESTINY No more shall strangers lord in thieving grace, Nor wear our name while plundering our land; Let our children stand firm and take their place, With calloused palms, not soft and foreign hand. The pact they penned in Nineteen Sixty-Three, Has bound us, tied us in these blackened chains; Though meant to grant us rightful liberty, Not empty seat, stark empty claims and games. Our hills are rich, yet hunger haunts us poor, While oil-fed lights burn bright beyond the sea; Enough, unite! Let squabbles be no more, With this banner raised in proud unity. We seek no alms, nor wait for your decree, Take our place, in this our own destiny . KP Mau Wednesday, 14 May 2025 BANGUN SABAH: INI TAKDIR KITA Tiada lagi orang asing pegang takhta, Merampas hak kita, memakai nama kita; Biar anak bangsa kita teguh berdiri, Dengan tangan diri, bukan tangan asing. Janji yang ditulis pada Enam Puluh Tiga, Telah mencekek kita dalam rantai menghina Padahal sepatutnya memberi kebebasan, Bukan kerusi kosong, janji omong dipermainkan Nusa kita kaya, namun lapar terus mengancam, Sedangkan cahaya menyala menara duorang Cukuplah, bersatu! Jangan ada lagi perbalahan, Dengan panji ini, kita angkat dalam perpaduan. Kami tidak minta sedekah, tidak tunggu titah, Kita ambil tempat kita, ini takdir kita. KP Mau Wednesday, 14 May 2025 The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]