Let Sabah be genuinely ruled by Sabahans – PBS leader
KOTA KINABALU (July 20): Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Vice President and Labuan Division Chief, Datuk Peter Mak Chun Vun, has urged Sabahans to unite in support of greater state autonomy, warning that failure to act could result in development stagnation—similar to concerns raised about Labuan.
Speaking at the joint Annual General Meeting of the PBS Api-Api, Luyang and Likas divisions at Hakka Hall, Mak stressed that meaningful progress in Sabah can only be achieved when the state regains full control over its governance and development agenda.
'Only Sabah's leaders and government truly understand the challenges faced by our grassroots communities. I speak from my experience as Division Chief of PBS Labuan for many years,' he said. 'We know the infrastructure we need and are committed to elevating Sabah to be on par with the more developed states in Malaysia.'
Mak clarified that the call for autonomy should not be seen as a rejection of the Federal Government.
Rather, it is a necessary step toward ensuring that development in Sabah is shaped by local priorities, not blanket national policies.
'Policies crafted across the sea often miss the mark when applied to Sabah. Our unique socio-economic and geographic realities require targeted, research-based approaches that can effectively address local issues,' he explained.
He also urged Sabahans to show solidarity in the upcoming state election by supporting Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), which he said represents a strong and united local front capable of pushing for the full implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
'This election is critical. We need a strong state government — one that is grounded in the will of the people and prepared to demand what is rightfully ours under MA63,' he said. 'It's time for Sabah to reclaim its rights. The recognition of our autonomy is not merely a legal matter — it is the key to unlocking our true development potential.'
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