.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Sabah should stop fearing Putrajaya and back local parties
Published on: Fri, Jul 11, 2025
By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: The Bajau Semporna Bumiputera Association (Perbubas) has called on Sabahans, especially political leaders and voters, to reject Peninsula-based political parties and reclaim the state's political autonomy. Perbubas President Mansor Santiri said Sabah must not continue living in fear of federal leaders and should instead unite behind local parties to restore dignity and real representation as championed by early local movements. 'Whoever becomes minister must be brave. Were not leaving Malaysia so why should we fear the Prime Minister?'Mansor told Daily Express. He lamented that despite STAR and PBS pushing for local political dominance for decades, Sabah continues to fall under the influence of Semenanjung-based parties. He blamed the past introduction of Umno by state Islamic leaders for the side lining of original Sabah-based forces like Usno, leading to the rise of figures like Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and his predecessor Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal. 'Were not rebelling or seceding,but if we keep fearing Putrajaya, the state will keep losing,' he added. Mansor said the irony is while many Muslim leaders once resisted Umno's entry, they later embraced Peninsula coalitions such as Perikatan Nasional and Barisan Nasional during the 2020 elections. He urged the Chief Minister to show stronger resolve and break away from dependence on federal alliances even with Pakatan Harapan, now part of the GRS-led coalition. 'If they (federal) are serious about MA63, especially on revenue rights, then stop negotiating. Just return what's stipulated in the Constitution. Want to become like Sarawak? Run independently at state level. 'Local parties must prioritise the agenda and national respect will follow but only when Sabah stands firm through its own leadership,' he said. * Read full report in tomorrow's print paper or log in or sign up for e-paper and premium online news access. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
US seeks to rename UN aviation program over term 'gender'
FILE PHOTO: Members of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) agency take photos of the logo as they arrive at ICAO headquarters in Montreal, Quebec, Canada October 1, 2022. REUTERS/Christinne Muschi/File Photo MONTREAL (Reuters) -The United States wants to rename and defund a UN aviation agency's "gender" program that promotes participation by women in aviation, as President Donald Trump's administration takes on diversity policies ahead of a fall gathering of high-level aerospace regulators. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) should rename its Gender Equality Programme as the Empowerment Program for Women, "in order to remove the ideological term of 'gender,'", the U.S. wrote in a working paper ahead of the U.N. agency's triennial assembly which starts on September 23. It also asked the agency's secretariat to confirm that "no regular budgetary contributions" would be used for the program under the current name. ICAO's Gender Equality Programme seeks to advance equality in the sector,where the vast majority of pilots and aerospace mechanics, for example, are male. "The United States recognizes anticipated future personnel shortages in the global aviation industry, including the future need for highly trained professionals," according to the paper dated July 30. "However, we do not support programs that grant preferences based on sex or other characteristics other than individual merit." The Republican president has made a hallmark of his administration the sweeping away of any policy aimed at supporting diversity, with aviation now included in those efforts. The paper comes as Trumpis nominating former Delta Air Lines(DAL.N) pilot Jeffrey Anderson to serve as U.S. ambassador to the Montreal-based agency,in a move opposed by a major airline pilots' union. Earlier this year, Trump issued an executive memorandum directing his administration to assess and undo diversity initiatives in aviation safety roles. Under Trump, the Federal Aviation Administration also reinstated the "Notice to Airmen" term, reversing an earlier decision by former President Joe Biden who had renamed the acronym NOTAM to be more "inclusive of all aviators". The Trump administration is asking to rename the ICAO program "in order to focus on the needs and perspectives of women," the paper said. The Federal Aviation Administration directed requests for comment to the U.S. Department of State, which did not immediately respond. ICAO declined comment. The agency, which seeks to use consensus to set standards on everything from runways to seat belts, was created after the United States invited more than 50 allies to agree in 1944 to a common air navigation system. (Allison Lampert in Montreal; Additional reporting by David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by David Holmes)
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Preserve national unity and peace for independence, urges Ewon
PENAMPANG: Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick has called on Malaysians, particularly in Sabah, to uphold the true meaning of independence by preserving unity, well-being, and peace. He emphasised that harmony and stability are crucial for sustainable national development and sovereignty. 'This all starts with cooperation, unity, and harmony because if the people are at odds with one another, unable to cooperate or be in harmony, how can national sovereignty be defended?' Ewon said after launching the Sabah Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang 2025 convoy. The event, organised by the Sabah Information Department, involves 20 vehicles and 60 participants covering 2,500 kilometres across 75 locations in 20 days. The convoy began in Penampang and will conclude in Tuaran on Aug 23. Ewon encouraged Sabahans to join the 'One House, One Jalur Gemilang' initiative by displaying the national flag at their homes. He also highlighted the relevance of this year's National Day theme, 'Malaysia MADANI, Rakyat Disantuni,' aligning it with the 13th Malaysia Plan's goals of uplifting the people's dignity. 'I hope this theme reaches the grassroots. I am confident that the people understand what the government is doing, which is not only to care for them but also to champion and uplift their dignity,' he said. - Bernama
Borneo Post
5 hours ago
- Borneo Post
140 contingents to enliven National Day parade in Sabah
Tun Musa (centre), Masidi (fourth left) and others during the courtesy call. – Information Department photo KOTA KINABALU (Aug 5): An estimated 140 parade contingents are set to enliven the 2025 Sabah National Day celebrations. State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun stated that the contingents comprise government agencies, schools, voluntary organizations and uniformed units. 'What makes this year special is that, for the first time, the celebrations will be attended by Head of State Tun Musa Aman, adding greater significance to the event. 'Tun Musa is expected to arrive at 7:30am, so we anticipate official events will take place between 7:30am and 10:30am. 'We also expect public attendance to mirror last year's, where strategic spots along the parade route will be filled early. 'Therefore, I urge all Sabahans to come together in celebrating and attending the event on August 31 at Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, to demonstrate our love for our nation and for Sabah,' he told reporters after paying a courtesy call on Tun Musa at Istana Seri Kinabalu on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Masidi, who is also the chairman of the 2025 Sabah National Day Main Committee, said this year's theme, 'Malaysia Madani: People Embraced' (Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni), resonates deeply, especially with leaders. 'This theme is profoundly relevant, particularly as a call to leaders and those entrusted with positions of authority to always be on the ground, engaging with and caring for the people. 'Thus, this theme urges leaders to be present among the people, show compassion, and visibly demonstrate their presence as the pillars upon whom the people rely to realize their aspirations,' he added. He also advised the public to continue flying the Jalur Gemilang and the Sabah state flag as symbols of love for Malaysia and the state of Sabah. Also present were Assistant Finance Minister Datuk Tan Lee Fatt and Kota Kinabalu City Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah.
