‘Sabah for Sabahans' is not a threat

Daily Express

12 hours ago

Published on: Sunday, August 17, 2025
Published on: Sun, Aug 17, 2025 Text Size: 'Sabah for Sabahans' is not a threat; it's a wake-up call. AHAMD Zahid Hamidi's call for Sabahans to look beyond the 'Sabah for Sabahans' sentiment and embrace national unity may appear, on the surface, as a plea for cohesion. However, such a message is dismissive of the deep historical grievances we Sabahans hold. When a national leader tells Sabahans to move on without first acknowledging or rectifying past injustices, it is not a call for unity but an attempt to sweep uncomfortable truths under the carpet. If national unity is truly the goal, it must be built on accountability, transparency, and mutual respect, not their disdainful expectation that historical wounds will be forgotten for the sake of their political expedience. Of course it is "divisive"—but only in the sense that it is intended to reclaim rightful space for Sabahans to prioritise our own needs. When every community looks after its own interests responsibly, society as a whole becomes stronger. No one can love or serve Sabah better than Sabahans ourselves. These slogans—"Sabah for Sabahans", "Sabah First" aren't acts of exclusion; they are affirmations of identity, autonomy, and the right to chart our own future. 'Sabah for Sabahans' is not a threat; it's a wake-up call. KP Mau 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]