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Focus Malaysia
a day ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Sabah UMNO's identity crisis and the cost of being an easily-swayed political ‘lalang'
SABAH UMNO wants Sabahans to believe that it has always been a 'local boy', has deep roots in the Bornean soil and that its leaders are true sons of the land. This is certainly a bold move from a party long seen as an extension of peninsula politics, especially by those who still remember how the phrase 'Sabah for Sabahans' was once dismissed as insular, unpatriotic or even divisive. But politics – like the jungle wind – often blows in new directions; for Sabah UMNO at this very moment, the breeze seems to be blowing towards survival at any cost. Embracing the slogan it once mocked In a recent statement, Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, UMNO's war room strategist and supreme council member, remarked hat UMNO should not be viewed solely as a Peninsula-based party. 'UMNO in Sabah is no longer a Malayan party. When a party has existed for 34 to 35 years in the state, it is no longer accurate to call it a Parti Malaya. Its leadership today is made up entirely of local Sabahans,' he enthused. This is a striking change in tone as once upon a time, Sabah UMNO was viewed as the regional arm of a national powerhouse. Its central leadership in Kuala Lumpur called the shots while state leaders – even senior ones – were often expected to toe the line. But as UMNO's influence continues to wane across Malaysia, the Sabah chapter seems to be scrambling to find a new identity. One that appeals to the growing grassroots sentiment that Sabah's fate should be decided by Sabahans, not Putrajaya. The irony is that this same sentiment, 'Sabah for Sabahans,' was long treated with suspicion by UMNO and its allies – painted as parochial and even anti-national. But now, with its influence diluted and voter trust on shaky ground, the party appears ready to adopt the very rhetoric it once ridiculed. This shift, however, is not just about public messaging. It's about political survival. Fractures below the surface The internal cracks in Sabah UMNO are already visible. The party's Sabah deputy chief Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan recently broke ranks to criticise the infamous Langkah Kinabalu. It was a decision by Sabah UMNO to pull out of the state government in early 2022. In Abdul Rahman's view, it was a strategic misstep that has 'greatly weakened' the party, leading to a loss of credibility and a wave of defections. Instead of making a principled stand, he argued, party leaders should have resigned if dissatisfied, not torpedoed the entire coalition from within. These are not small words. Coming from someone of Rahman Dahlan's stature, they point to unresolved tension within the party. It's something that Sabah UMNO's current leadership is keen to downplay. In response, state chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin issued a carefully worded statement by contending that while differing views are respected, the party has since moved forward through consensus. But consensus doesn't always mean unity. Sometimes, it's just plain silence. The broader question is what does Sabah UMNO actually stand for today? Is it still the same party that believed in top-down politics and centralised decision-making? A party in the wind Right now, the signals are mixed. The 'Sabahanisation' of UMNO feels more like re-branding than re-invention. It's seen as an attempt to stay relevant in a political landscape that has dramatically shifted. Local parties like PBS and STAR – who are part of the ruling GRS (Gabungan Rakyat Sabah) state government – have anchored themselves in Sabahan identity and issues. For them, the 'Sabah for Sabahans' sentiment wasn't just a slogan. It was the foundation of their political existence. But for Sabah UMNO, it's a costume worn out of necessity. This lalang a.k.a. sitting on fence mentality of shifting positions depending on political winds has long haunted Malaysian politics with Sabah UMNO being no exception. Their decision to leave the Sabah state government in 2022 was framed as a stand on principle. Now, it's being quietly acknowledged as a mistake. UMNO's embrace of Sabah-centric rhetoric is framed as organic evolution but in truth, it smells more like desperation. Voters have lived through a decade of instability, crossovers, defections and backdoor deals. The old model of loyalty to party brands no longer holds. Sabahans are now asking sharper questions such as who fights for Sabah's rights? Who listens? Who flip-flops when it's convenient? Sabah UMNO is running out of time to answer those questions convincingly. If the party hopes to reclaim its footing, it will have to do more than tweaking its messaging. It must show through action that it has shed its peninsula-first instincts, that it can be trusted to put Sabah first even when it's politically costly. Until then, Sabah UMNO remains a party adrift – caught between its past and its future – with no clear anchor but the pursuit of power. – July 22, 2025 Main image credit: Sabah News
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Automotive
- Malay Mail
Not enough funds to fix roads, says Ahmad Maslan, RM4 billion needed but only RM2.2 billion allocated
KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 — The Works Ministry (KKR) requires additional allocation for road maintenance, as it is becoming increasingly urgent to ensure that infrastructure remains in optimum condition. Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the main causes of road damage in Malaysia include weather factors such as heavy rain and heat, overloaded vehicles, and the natural lifespan of the roads. 'Typically, after 10 to 20 years, they need to be maintained to ensure they remain safe for use. However, we at the ministry are facing a shortage of funds. 'To properly maintain roads this year, we need RM4 billion. However, we only received RM2.2 billion – a shortfall of RM1.8 billion or 45 per cent. Nevertheless, we will continue efforts to secure a bigger budget for next year,' he said after appearing as a guest on Bernama TV's Ruang Bicara programme yesterday. Based on data from the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), he said 13 per cent of road accidents are due to road conditions such as the absence of road markings, potholes, and inadequate lighting. 'Seven per cent are caused by vehicle-related factors, while human error remains the main contributor to road accidents at 80 per cent. 'The annual death toll from road accidents remains high at around 6,000, underscoring the need to address recurring causes, including factors related to road conditions," he said. Meanwhile, Ahmad said the MyJalan mobile application, launched in August 2023, has made it easier for the public to lodge complaints about damaged roads, with all reports accepted under the 'no wrong door' policy. This includes complaints beyond the ministry's jurisdiction, which are then channelled to the relevant agencies, such as the Rural and Regional Development Ministry for rural roads, the Housing and Local Government Ministry for municipal roads, and state Public Works Departments. — Bernama
The Sun
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Malaysia needs more funds for road maintenance, says deputy minister
KUALA LUMPUR: The Works Ministry has requested additional funding to address urgent road maintenance needs across Malaysia. Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan highlighted that weather, overloaded vehicles, and aging infrastructure are major contributors to road damage. He stated, 'To properly maintain roads this year, we need RM4 billion. However, we only received RM2.2 billion – a shortfall of RM1.8 billion or 45 per cent.' Despite the budget constraints, the ministry remains committed to securing more funds for next year. According to the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), poor road conditions account for 13% of accidents. Issues like missing road markings, potholes, and inadequate lighting pose significant risks. Ahmad added, 'The annual death toll from road accidents remains high at around 6,000.' Human error remains the leading cause of accidents at 80%, while vehicle-related factors contribute 7%. To improve reporting, the MyJalan app allows the public to submit complaints under a 'no wrong door' policy. Reports are forwarded to relevant agencies, including those overseeing rural and municipal roads. - Bernama
Barnama
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Barnama
Additional Allocation Needed For Road Maintenance
KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 (Bernama) -- The Works Ministry (KKR) requires additional allocation for road maintenance, as it is becoming increasingly urgent to ensure that infrastructure remains in optimum condition. Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the main causes of road damage in Malaysia include weather factors such as heavy rain and heat, overloaded vehicles, and the natural lifespan of the roads. 'Typically, after 10 to 20 years, they need to be maintained to ensure they remain safe for use. However, we at the ministry are facing a shortage of funds. 'To properly maintain roads this year, we need RM4 billion. However, we only received RM2.2 billion – a shortfall of RM1.8 billion or 45 per cent. Nevertheless, we will continue efforts to secure a bigger budget for next year,' he said after appearing as a guest on Bernama TV's Ruang Bicara programme today. Based on data from the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), he said 13 per cent of road accidents are due to road conditions such as the absence of road markings, potholes, and inadequate lighting. 'Seven per cent are caused by vehicle-related factors, while human error remains the main contributor to road accidents at 80 per cent. 'The annual death toll from road accidents remains high at around 6,000, underscoring the need to address recurring causes, including factors related to road conditions," he said. Meanwhile, Ahmad said the MyJalan mobile application, launched in August 2023, has made it easier for the public to lodge complaints about damaged roads, with all reports accepted under the 'no wrong door' policy. This includes complaints beyond the ministry's jurisdiction, which are then channelled to the relevant agencies, such as the Rural and Regional Development Ministry for rural roads, the Housing and Local Government Ministry for municipal roads, and state Public Works Departments.
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
‘Malaysia for Sabahans' more relevant slogan, says Ahmad Maslan
Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan delivering his speech during a meet-and-greet session with Umno members in Kalabakan, Tawau. KOTA KINABALU: The slogan "Malaysia for Sabahans" is more relevant and inclusive than the often-used "Sabah for Sabahans", says Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan. He said that while the latter may appeal to local sentiments, it risks narrowing Sabah's place within the broader national context. "Sabah for Sabahans is too limited in scope. Malaysia for Sabahans is better — it means all of Malaysia is for the people of Sabah, and Sabah is part of Malaysia," he said. Speaking at a press conference after a meet-and-greet session with Umno members in Kalabakan, recently held in Tawau, Ahmad said the "Sabah for Sabahans" sentiment is seasonal and often resurfaces during election periods. "Sabahans are already deeply integrated with the rest of the country. More than 200,000 Sabahans work in Peninsular Malaysia. At the same time, many teachers, doctors, engineers, and officers from the peninsula are serving in Sabah," he said. He noted that this interdependence demonstrates that Malaysia belongs to everyone, and the narrative of "Malaysia for Sabahans" should be promoted moving forward. "Even I have a Sarawakian wife. This country is about integration — between people, states, and roles," he added. Ahmad, who is also the Deputy Works Minister, said Umno and Barisan Nasional remain confident of regaining support in Sabah, citing his grassroots engagements across the state. "I've toured many places — Kota Belud, Tuaran, Sepanggar, Putatan, Papar, Keningau, Pensiangan, Beaufort, Semporna, Lahad Datu, Kalabakan, and Tawau. "The feedback I received was that people have tried various governments, but they now realise Barisan Nasional provided better stability," he said. He added that if Umno-Barisan Nasional could win a significant number of seats in the next state election, the coalition could become a "big magnet" to attract other parties and form the state government. "If we contest 30 seats, we can win 25, 29, or even all 30. That's the kind of momentum we're building," he said.
