Latest news with #DatukJohnLo
Daily Express
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
‘Sabah for Sabahans' slogan gains momentum
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]
Daily Express
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Sabar's podcasts examine Sabah's woes
Published on: Sunday, May 11, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 11, 2025 By: Datuk John Lo Text Size: The Political Circus is in Town again. Political circus means that the politicians are going to every limit they can to gain power and in doing so the country [Sabah] suffers. The same political circus for the last 40 years is here again. There may be some new actors, dressed differently, talk with sleekier tongues, social media savvy, more colourful posters and bantings. In essence, their substance is the same. Already they are fighting and demanding for seats publicly, threatening to leave etc. It is like the rainy season, all sort of promises, most of which are imaginary, unreal like pies in the sky. So far, very few leaders have spoken passionately about issues that concern Sabahans' lives, their future generations and numerous other economic problems. The bottom line is that there is little change in our political leaders' ability to erudite economic policies and implementations that can improve lives for Sabahans. To many, the politics of 2025 election is just like all previous elections; what is in it for me, my position, pocket and perks. All Sabah's Problems have been Progressively Accumulated over the 40 years. Most of the leaders are like pots calling the kettle black. Who has bothered to look into the details of Sabah's numerous problems and produce solutions in the last 40 years? If they had, why Sabah still has so much problems? Why the poverty? Pointing fingers do not serve any purpose: [i] All Sabah's major problems have been accumulated over 40 years. All Sabah's major leaders have been responsible in one way or another as they have, with no exception, in government. [ii] These leaders are not solution orientated or have not solutions to make our lives better or get Sabah out of the rut-hole. [iii] These leaders are NATO [No Action, Talk Only]. SABAR's 8 podcasts on issues that can help Political Leaders to Focus on Real Issues. For leaders who are genuinely concerned about Sabahans' interest, please look into issues being highlighted by SABAR. They are good points to start for their manifestos. Chairman of SABAR, Zaine and his team have organised the following podcasts: [1] Sabah's Public Fund- Where does the Money do? [2] Why is Sabah struggling? Unpacking GLCs, Corruption & Lost Billions. [3] The Shocking Reality of Sabah's Water Supply & Infrastructure [How to Fix Them]. [4] Sabah's Infra and Housing Challenges. What is Holding Back Sabah's Progress? [5] Sabah's Silent Struggle: The Truth about its Public Health. [6] Health Care Challenges in Sabah: Explained. [7] Sabah's Autonomy: Unlocking the Key to Quality of Education. [8] Bridging the Gap: Preschool & STEM Educations in Sabah. Please access to follow on YouTube site. SABAR's on-going Podcasts are showing what Sabahans Really Want their Leaders to do for them. The 8 issues in SABAR's podcasts must have touched the raw nerves of many Sabahans, judging from the numerous responses. Hopefully, political leaders, especially those from the major parties, can pay attention to these big issues affecting Sabahans and produce solutions and ideas for these 8 issues in the run up of the coming election. This is a unique opportunity for them to prove they have responsible leadership to Sabahans. SABAR's Grand Finale Town Hall will be in KK's Community Centre on 22nd June 2025. Would be nice if Presidents and Sec Gens of political parties can attend to show they share concerns of issues of Sabahans. Outsiders will Rub Their Hands with Glee! Rub Their Hands with Glee means: to be very pleased about something, often something bad which has happened to an enemy or opponent Sabah, the richest resource state, has produced the highest poverty, most unemployment, highest inflation, most expensive food and housing, no food sufficiency. All these have happened because our leaders have allowed these to happen Sabah. Because of lack of unity, they have let outsiders take over our economic ownership, have made Sabahans economic refugees in our own state. Our economy doesn't belong to Sabahans. Our best land is owned by others. More than 90% of the big projects belong to outsiders. All failed projected by GLCs are JVs with outsiders. More than 90% of oil palm in Sabah belong to outsiders. Can our leaders tell Sabahans what we do own? Outsiders have taken over our economy, they own almost everything. We, Sabahans, what do we have? What do we own? Thanks to Hajiji for having the political courage and nerve to stop it. Outsiders have even blackmailed to topple his government in the mining saga. What next these outsiders will resort to? Scary thoughts! They will eventually succeed if our leaders fail to unite to look after Sabah. Hajiji's Government are in Progress of Solving many of Sabah's fundamental problems. Any leader claiming that he or his party can solve all of Sabah's problem in a whim needs his head examined. Give details, facts and figures on how this can be done. Very rough estimate, Sabah will need more than RM100 billion at least to put things in order. Very costly because of 40 years of negligence, mismanagement. We must expand and grow our economy, attract investments, so that the Government can have more revenue. Lest we forget, we must unite to fight for the 40% net revenue share from the Federal Government ASAP. Already done or in progress are: [i] Regains of oil/gas rights. [ii] Authority over power generation [ECoS]. [iii] ECoS is an outstanding agency, aggressively sorting out Sabah's power shortages. ECoS has approved more than 10 power generation projects and is overseeing their implementation. Power problems expected to be over by 2030. ECoS is 100% Sabahans, from CEO downwards. [iv] Water woes are being addressed. [v] Special mention must be made on the revamp of GLCs which is one of the biggest headaches in Sabah. Google Hajiji and Masidi on their public statements on their dissatisfactions on the performance of GLCs. Hajiji and Masidi have appointed credible people from the private sector/officials in a number of GLCs. Their performance has improved tremendously. Here is the list of GLCs that are doing well: [1] Innoprise [2] SMJ Energy [3] SOGDC [4] Sabah Energy Corporation [5] KKIP [6] Sabah Credit. [7]. POIC Lahad Datu [turned around, has good planning for future development] [8] SDB [turning around]. [9] Sawit Kinabalu. [10] Suria Capital. SEDCO is being turned around with the appointment of James Wong as GGM. The chairmen and CEOs of these GLCs, please share your experience with Sabahans and with other GLCs at SABAR's final townhall.. Sabahan Leaders must address our greatest fears. Our greatest fear is complete economic and political enslavements. Such enslavements have already reached an unacceptable level. All Sabahan political leaders can agree on 'Sabah for Sabahans' or 'Sabahans First Policy'. they can talk about it passionately in their speeches. But, this is a very big BUT, they can't unite to make it a reality. What is the point of talking and not uniting for the sake of Sabah and all Sabahans? Sabahan Leaders should produce Ideas that can Expedite Sabah's Development. Please stop quarrelling. We have suffered enough. We want you to give us a better tomorrow and a bright future for our children. The leaders don't need to look far. Just use some points that SABAR has produced, modify and assimilate them into your manifestos. The solutions for Sabah don't need rocket science. Only common sense, responsible leadership, political courage and love for Sabah. As said before, useless to blame or quarrel. Let the voters hear what each leader or his party can really do for Sabahans, how to better jaga rumah kita. Let this 2025 election be a competition for leaders to showcase their ideas to make Sabah great again. 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]
Daily Express
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Time for Sabah's political dinosaurs to leave the stage
Published on: Sunday, May 04, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 04, 2025 By: Datuk John Lo Text Size: Sabah is plagued with over-supply of 'political dinosaurs'. [i] Definition 'political dinosaurs' The term 'political dinosaurs' is a metaphorical expression used to describe politicians, leaders, or institutions that are seen as outdated, resistant to change, or clinging to obsolete ideologies in a rapidly evolving political landscape. [ii] Key Characteristics of Political Dinosaurs: [a] Outdated Ideologies– They adhere to old-fashioned policies or beliefs that no longer align with contemporary societal values. [b] Resistance to Change– They oppose progressive reforms, technological advancements, or shifts in public opinion. [c] Long Tenure in Power– Often, they have held power for decades, becoming disconnected from newer generations. [d] Loss of Relevance– Their influence persists due to institutional inertia rather than popular support. [iii] Who are these 'political dinosaurs'. Can be easily discerned. Just use [i] and [ii] above as bench mark to identify them. Unless they are self-delusory, the 'political dinosaurs' should know themselves as 'siapa makan cili dia rasa pedas' Sabah must have injection of new political talents. Sabah needs new young leaders with brain for economic management, courage to speak up and protect Sabah's rights and interest. Above all, they must have statesmanship. Sabah voters, in self-interest, should send this message out well before 2025 election: The 'political dinosaurs' should volunteer to retire or be retired by the voters in 2025 election. Enough is enough. Sabahans have suffered enough of economic indignity, poverty, lowest household income, bad infrastructures, poor education, badly needed health improvement, highest unemployment for last 40 years. We want new blood, fresh minds with up-to-date ideas, commitments to better governance to lead Sabah forward, to regain our economic ownership, to catch up with other states and above all, to transform Sabah so that we can be relevant and compete in the AI world. Don't accept Political Dinosaur leaders regurgitating with endless supply of failed hopes. Seek out and support for leaders or parties that can attract new blood. Sabah voters must vote for political leaders who can serve us, not us serving them. Sabahan voters must look at what and how political leaders can improve our lives. The bottom line is very simple; are we going to vote for better lives in all aspects, brighter futures for our children and grandchildren, more and better food on the table? To achieve this, do not take their words for it. Thousands of empty promises, unfulfilled to this day. Take everything that they say, not with the proverbial grain of salt, but with a ton of it! Look at their characters, their lavish life style; those make the most noise are the least doers. Remember William Gurnall's quotation: 'Least doers are the greatest boasters.' No humility, no compassion for our least fortunate fellow Sabahans. They only want to win the election, grab the perks of political office. Political leaders should produce fresh ideas to move Sabah forward. [i] Hajiji has started to restructure Sabah's economy including: [a] regains, among others, of rights in oil and gas which have generated unprecedented investments and jobs for Sabahans. [b] foundation of Sabah's manufacturing industry. [c] unprecedented investments total RM58 billions. The investments cover various sectors, including infrastructure, tourism, agriculture, and technology. True that Sabah still has many problems. Complaining will not rid these problems. Constructive ideas, be they from government or opposition, are the only way to bring progress to Sabah. Political Dinosaurs know how to complain, to run down others, not solution to real problems. But can't offer any constructive solutions. Have no idea how to grow the economy. Don't now the amount required to solve the water, road, power problems, badly maintained schools, poor health facilities. Where to get the funds to solve all the problems that have been accumulated for 40 years. Political Dinosaurs have been in politics for a long time, have enjoyed the perks of political office. Have they solved the problems that Sabahans have been suffering in the last 40 years? What have they been doing in the last 40 years? Unity is our salvation. Hopefully the dawn of better days that we have now from Hajiji will continue after 2025 election. If our leaders continue to fight for their selfish agenda, Sabah may 'go-stand' back into the dark ages of the last 40 years. The federal leaders, including Anwar, will certainly look at our political leaders, not with respect, but with disdain and disrespect. How to regain more rights? How to fight for our 40% net revenue share? So easy to exploit selfish leaders. Do predictable. No sophistication. They swallow the baits without fail every time. Can we blame them for exploiting the weaknesses of our leaders? No, we can't cos it is our own fault, voting into office this type of leaders We have elected leaders who love themselves; their perks and self-interest more than they love Sabah. We cannot afford Political Dinosaurs anymore. We must have leaders who love Sabah, who can juga rumah kita. Sabah must have creditable who can unite for the sake of Sabah. Politics is the art of the impossible possible. Admittedly, political differences are plenty. These differences are largely personal, personal interest, personality, ego. Little ideological. If our leaders can transform their paper-thin love for Sabah into true love, put aside their political egos, unity can be achieved with little difficulty. Possible? Of course. Working together for a common goal to develop Sabah will be so easy. With this unity, all of Sabah's economic problems will be resolved a lot quicker. 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]
