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Daily Express
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Why ‘Sabah for Sabahans' justified
Published on: Sunday, July 27, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jul 27, 2025 By: Datuk John Lo Text Size: NATIONAL Leaders Should Manage Nation, Let Sabah Leaders Manage Sabah. Let us clear this out of the way first. Meaning of Sabah leaders is that they are from Sabah-based parties. Best if federal leaders can concentrate providing economic leadership on nation building. Let Sabah parties to govern Sabah for two reasons: [1] Malaysian Economy is not doing that great. Malaysia's performance is ok but far from best that we are capable of. Malaysia has potential to be at the top if the national leaders can solve racial-based politics, low productivity, lack of direction in innovation and research and poverty. Dragging down Malaysia are two major causes: First is rampant inflation that is plaguing the poor and young families. Second is unprecedented massive corruption. Big corruption, in 10s and 100s of millions of cash stashed in homes and billions overseas. Latest 'handouts' from PMX will not solve fundamental economic problems. They are for temporary 'feel good' or 'shiok Sendiri' only. Very little enhancement of economic capacity. The new appointment of more than 4,000 doctors is very beneficial for all Malaysians. [2] Turbulent Global Economy. Challenges in Multi-polar World. National leaders are providing insufficient leadership, direction, and clarity for Malaysians in these very uncertain times. Excessive domestic politics has blurred their responsibility in this very important aspect of economic management. It is logical to let Sabahan leaders manage Sabah. Federal leaders should not interfere. Focus on solving the national problems. Sabah leaders are capable of managing Sabah. CM Hajiji's economic restructure for Sabah is on course and will, in time, yield the desired results for Sabah. In addition, he has reclaimed some rights in oil and gas. The base of a burgeoning vibrant manufacturing industry has already been established. ECoS will solve Sabah's power problem. By 2030 there shall be no power issue. ECoS has done it within two years of its existence. The Federal government had no plan and failed to do so in 30 years. Sabahans are Malaysians as any Malaysian of other states. 'Sabah for Sabahans' does not dilute our Malaysianess. It must be stated here and now that Sabah is part of Malaysia, Sabahans are Malaysians just like any Malaysians of other states. Don't be distracted by any leader trying to steer us away from pursuing 'Sabah for Sabahans'. Such leaders have dubious ulterior motives. These following facts must be remembered always by all Sabahans and Malayans: Sabah is a direct signatory of MA63, 1/3 of Malaysia. Sabah is not 1/13 or 1/16 if the 3 federal territories are included, of Malaysia. These facts have become inconvenient truths and are often forgotten by many federal and some Sabah leaders. Many of them, for bizarre reasons, want Sabahans to forget Sabah's special role/position in the formation of Malaysia. 'Malaysia for Sabahans' more relevant slogan, says Ahmad Maslan. What is the meaning of 'Malaysia for Sabahans'? The ideal situation would be that Malaysia, of which Sabah is 1/3, would give Sabah a fair deal in all matters, especially in economic development and investment promotion. Sabah should have been looked after and assisted with extra help in development funding for Sabah to catch up with other states. Sabah's resources like oil and gas should have been used for the development of Sabah's economy from the very beginning. What does history tell us? Unfortunately, it has been a very sad story. The hard facts are that Sabah today is the 2nd poorest state, most of Sabah's resources have been siphoned off or controlled by non-Sabahans. Sabah has become well-known for poverty and bad infrastructures. To summarise, it has been a very bad nightmare. No one can blame Sabahans' scepticism on slogans like 'Malaysia for Sabah' from Malayan leaders. Should Sabahans want 'Malaysia for Sabah'? No one can blame Sabahans' heightened scepticism of this slogan which has been sold to us in various versions for many years. With due respect, this slogan seems to have come as an after-thought, an off-the-cuff remark. Better and easier for Sabahans to swallow if there is a properly prepared presentation of what 'Malaysia for Sabah' means to Sabahans in real term in this coming election. Sabahans, especially young better educated Sabahans, are no longer naïve. They aren't afraid to vent their frustrations. 'Malaysia for Sabahans' vs 'Sabah for Sabahans' These 2 slogans can be the best complements for nation building if only the federal government has lived up to the letter and spirit of MA63. Experience is telling us otherwise. History should have also taught Sabahans a lesson of self-discipline, the pitfalls, and dire consequences of political disunity. In view of numerous past unpleasant experiences [remember the 47 years old procrastination of 40% share of revenue?], it is better for Sabahans to have 'Sabah for Sabahans' so that we can build up and strengthen Sabah first. It is also time for Sabahans to grow up, not dependent on others, to exert our equitable rights and not to wait for charity and manna to fall from heaven. Sabahans must adopt 'Sabah for Sabahans' to regain self-respect. [1] 'Sabah for Sabahans' is a natural desire for all Sabahans, no difference from 'Selangor for Selangoreans' or 'Bangsa Johor'. Any Sabah leader not subscripting to this ought to have their heads examined. [2] Time for Sabahans to mature, to take charge and be responsible for our own destiny and future within Malaysia. Sabahans cannot continue to rely on others to make decisions for Sabahans. [3] Time to have our legitimate voice in major decisions that affect the nations like financial and budgetary policies and their implementations. Sabah is almost voiceless now. [4] As 1/3 partner of Malaysia, Sabah should and must have 1/3 representation in all federal agencies like Khazanah, all GLCs and GLIC. They don't give any attention for or implement any meaningful projects in Sabah. [5] Time for Sabahans to secure all our legitimate rights under MA63, our equitable rights for economic funding to develop our own state. [6] Time for Sabahans to have priority of our resources for the benefit of Sabahans. Like present siphoning off CPO must stop or impose higher sales tax of 15%. The CPO must be used for Sabah's downstream. [7] Sabah must be included in foreign trips by PM for investment promotions. [8] Federal government must give Sabah approval authority of RM2.5 billion on investment in manufacturing. Present RM2.5m is a joke. This amount cannot buy a semi-D now. 'Sabah for Sabahans' must be Encouraged by all Sabah leaders. Sabahans do not crave for what is not ours. Sabah is very far from getting what is rightfully ours, what Sabah is entitled to as 1/3 partner. 'Sabah for Sabahans LAST' is no longer acceptable by Sabah's young generation. They are deeply aware of and abhor the economic deprivations inflicted on Sabahans since MA63. 'Sabah for Sabahans' has room for a junior role for Malayan parties. As a trade-off, Sabah parties can support Malayan parties at federal level. Fair is fair. Priority is for all Sabah parties to unite for the sake of Sabahans, present and future generations. Good for Malaysia when 'Sabah for Sabahans' has made Sabah strong economically. 'Sabah for Sabahans' can Succeed only with Political Unity in Sabah. A strong Sabah will strengthen Malaysia economically and enhance its international prestige. 'Sabah for Sabahans' is a national asset. Sabah, now the 6th direct contributor to the national GDP will be able to contribute much more. Sabah's indirect contribution is much bigger cos most of our oil and gas and CPO are being shipped out to fuel industrial growth in Malaya. Malayan national leaders should let Sabahan leaders manage our state. For the future of all Sabahans, Sabah parties must fight for 'Sabah for Sabahans'. 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
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Hajiji's emphatic ‘No' to Sabah mining welcome
Published on: Sunday, July 13, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jul 13, 2025 By: Datuk John Lo Text Size: NOT new on Attempts to control Sabah's Government and Resources Such attempts have existed since MA 63 because of political disunity. Sabah is famous for religious and racial unity. BUT political unity has been elusive from the very beginning of MA63, from Donald Stephens [later Fuad] and Mustapha down to this very day. Because of persistent political disunity, there have been continuous attempts to control Sabah's government and resources most which have succeeded to varying degrees. Sabah has never had a truly independent Sabahan Government. The party or parties in government had to rely on Malayan parities to stay in power. Such dependence has existed even when the government was under a Sabah based party or a coalition of parties with Malayan parties in charge. Over the years, Sabah has lost control and ownership of the economy. Sabahans do not own/control the 5 major economic sectors of oil palm, oil and gas, tourism, manufacturing, and timber. The loss of ownership of the oil palm industry is most dramatic when Malayan plantation companies 'bought' cheap land from political leaders who have applied for hundreds of thousands of acres at dirt cheap premium. Results? More than 90% of 4.4 million acres of oil palm belong to non-Sabah. No downstream, no jobs for Sabahans. Sabah has created/contributed to enriching many Malayan millionaires and billionaires. Sabah has also created the worst poverty. Past Tactics to Control Sabah and Siphon off Sabah's Resources. Subtle, seldom openly. Many Sabahans know that there have been hidden hands from Malayan politicians and businessmen manipulating Sabah's politics and economy/finance. Sabah's elected politicians were never 'in charge' in the true sense, having to 'refer to KL' or 'ask for greenlight'. Always kowtow. Frequently, Malayan politicians have been accompanied by 'predatory businessmen' to fix lopsided deals that were to Sabah's disadvantage. Many Sabahans, especially senior officials, professionals, and businessmen, know this sort of 'arrangements', helplessly looking at all these exploitations. What's Different in the latest Scandal? The objective and audacity are scary. The entrapment is frightening. The tactics are at a whole new level and dimension, well planned, executed and frighteningly extensive and crude. It is set to entrap ministers and key YBs holding important posts in GLCs by hidden videos like those in the James Bond movies. It has penetrated in the management of a GLC. It is well funded. Never seen before is the possibility of involvement of foreigners. MACC has confirmed it is investigating. 'Taiko' or mastermind has yet to surface and unlikely to appear anytime soon. Blackmail in the form of 'exposé' and threat of 'overthrow' of government to CM Hajiji. Never done before. The whole episode smells foul like a failed CIA plot of 'regime change' in some Latin American countries which have refused to subservient to the big bad Uncle Sam in Washington. Thanks to be to God, Hajiji has the Courage to say 'NO' RESOLUTELY. From information in the public domain, one can quite imagine at some point that Hajiji must have been confronted of the 'scheme' and imminent threat to destabilize his government. Coming so near to the election 2025, he could have taken the easy way out and said yes or play the delay tactics and waited for the election to be over. Hajiji did not take the easy out. This, Sabahans must give him credit for his uncompromising stance to protect Sabah's interest. He has said NO DEAL! He has chosen to reject and not to surrender to the threat to his government. He told them to 'fly kite' and 'get lost.' Courageous. The decision to say 'NO' is not a simple matter. It takes lots of conviction. What Would Happen if Hajiji were to Give in? Not difficult to imagine the dire consequences for Sabah and for Sabahans' future. Sabah would have lost much more than the mineral resources. Sabah would have lost dignity. respect, and possibly the whole economy. Who can tell what would be their next demand? Investors would lose confidence and become wary. Existing investors may not stay and new ones will be reluctant to come. The hard-earned equitable Sabah/Federal relationship would have been lost. With it, also likely the fight for our 40% share of revenue, TSA2012. The CM and the whole Sabah government would be controlled by non-Sabahans with vested interest. Surely, no right minded Sabahan wants this. Disastrous for our future generations. This is Sabah's first existential threat. Major Political Leaders must not glee with happiness over this Scandal. What Hajiji is facing is the worst trial and tribulation that any Sabah CM has been confronted with since MA63. Other CMs and Sabah leaders who have held substantive federal cabinet posts have experienced similar coercions, albeit not as blatant and as crude as this mining scandal. Had Hajiji not firmly put a stop to it, could have festered into an existential threat for our State. Such threats must be treated with the utmost seriousness. As such, all leaders of political parties, who claim to love Sabah, must sink their political differences and condemn this in strongest, unequivocable condemnation because it is an existential threat to Sabah's soverignity and integrity in malaysia by outsiders. 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
29-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Likely Sabah has highest number of GLCs in Malaysia
Published on: Sunday, June 29, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 29, 2025 Text Size: DATUK John Lo's assertion that Government-Linked Companies (GLCs) are bleeding state coffers is undeniably accurate. Shockingly, successive Sabah governments have been losing at least RM100 million monthly just to sustain second grade politicians. Sabah likely has the highest number of GLCs compared to other states in Malaysia. These companies often maintain bloated boards with 10 to 12 directors and each receiving monthly allowances ranging from RM6,000 to RM24,000. This exorbitant structure drains at least RM100 million in Sabah public funds – a staggering and unsustainable burden. Just last week the Sabah Government added yet another GLC – the 'Blue Economy Council' as reported by your papoer on June 17, 2025. More critically, these GLCs undermine existing state departments, such as the Fisheries Department, which already operate under well-defined legal frameworks and possess specialised expertise in their respective fields. While it is understandable that the state must ensure its leaders are adequately supported, as Lo rightly emphasised: 'Enough is enough'. The unchecked expansion of GLCs and their excessive financial demands must be reined in before they further cripple Sabah's finances. Awang Jambul 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
10-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Poor governance of GLCs to blame: Managed by some people of questionable integrity and knowledge
Published on: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 10, 2025 By: David Thien Text Size: Datuk John Lo (right) shared his opinions in a 'Sabah Voices to Action' podcast with former Sabah Law Society President Datuk Roger Chin (left) with Kopi Tiam Council hosts Adi and Haffisz organised by NGO Sabar recently on 'Economic Imperative on Stringent Governance for Sabah's GLCs'. Kota Kinabalu: Many of the 250 GLCs continue to lose millions of ringgit yearly. In Kota Kinabalu alone, most of the failed big projects are GLC joint ventures with non-Sabahan companies. 'What it tells us is that all these GLCs have very, very poor governance and this is the whole issue in Sabah. They are managed by some chairmen and board of directors who are of questionable integrity or knowledge. So things just roll along without good performance.' Advertisement 'If all or even 75 per cent of GLCs are doing well, the State government should have been receiving billions of ringgit in term of returns every year because the assets controlled by the GLCs are in the hundreds of billions of ringgit,' said Datuk John Lo, retired banker and advisor to the State Government in his role in the Sabah Economic Advisory Council (SEAC) as well as the Institute for Development Studies (IDS). 'Even if you take three or four per cent returns, we should be getting at least three, four or five, or six billion.' He shared his opinions in a 'Sabah Voices to Action' podcast with former Sabah Law Society President Datuk Roger Chin with Kopi Tiam Council hosts Adi and Haffisz organised by NGO Sabar recently on 'Economic Imperative on Stringent Governance for Sabah's GLCs'. Lo said these GLCs have failed to deliver decent returns from their assets. 5 per cent is acceptable and 10 per cent is considered good. If only the GLCs can generate 5 per cent or better from their assets, the Sabah Government would have several more billions of dividends each year! He said 5 per cent return on assets shouldn't be an issue as the cost of capital assets like land is practically free. Private sector can generate much better than 5 per cent even though they have to pay for land at market prices and to service interest for loans. Compare this to the RM143m the Sabah Government received from the few performing GLCs, of which RM50m was from SMJ Energy. Lo said Johor's KPJ HealthCare Bhd with 43.38 per cent owned by Johor Corp and listed on Bursa Malaysia with a total share value RM1.96 billion, is an example for Sabah's GLCs to emulate. 'KPJ HealthCare Bhd can deliver more dividend than all Sabah's GLCs Profit with more than RM350 million!' Sabah GLCs are also very fond of signing JVs with non-Sabahan companies for whatever reason. 'We need to cultivate homegrown businessmen rather than making or adding money to some non-Sabahan entities instead of within Sabah,' Lo said. 'My point is this, if the GLCs are successful, we could have listed on Bursa Malaysia – we don't need to raise so much government funds. 'Number two, we don't need to depend on the Government budget much. We can raise a lot of money by the billions by going to the market. Datuk Roger Chin said the traditional type of JV is literally over a piece of land. What happens is that the GLC ends up with 10 shoplots as an example. 'If the GLC had developed the prime piece of land, say in Kota Kinabalu, by itself, it would have gotten a lot more money and assets. 'I understand it takes a lot of money to develop the project. The GLC may not have the funds, but funds could have been raised by other ways. 'I have always found it amazing how they can just settle for 10 shoplots. Looking at all the JVs signed, you will realize that is actually like that.' Lo adding to Roger, said: 'If you have a piece of real estate that is very valuable, why does that GLC need to enter into a JV with somebody? They could have easily monetised this. 'You can actually raise funds because you already got a very valuable asset. Why do we need another company in the real estate business to come in? We have a lot of Sabahan developers who can do it. Now why do we need to enter into a JV with these people from outside?' Roger: 'For me, GLCs have a purpose. They are for industries or sectors that no one wanted to go into. Like a milk factory or a cement plant. 'They should only be in sectors where the private sector is not better than them. So they have to grow to be better than the private sector in these industries.' According to Lo, in Sabah two things have been happening for years. 'GLCs are killing the private sector in many areas. 'Our private sector have already been more or less wiped out. Our private sector has no chance to really develop. Worse is that with change of governments, one of the first victims will be the private sector players. 'Oh, you supported the last government so I kill you. Our political leaders they must stop this. 'We cannot have economic growth on a sustainable basis if you keep killing your own Sabahan entrepreneurs. More so, you kill Sabahan entrepreneurs and bring in outsiders. This is very, very serious. The mindset must change. 'Very simply put, if the GLCs belong to the government, then there is clearly a conflict of interest going on. 'The conflict is that I will support the ones that I own. I will give the ones that I own more of a leg up than it should, and therefore making it unfair for the private sector. That's how it distorts the market,' said Roger. 'It is bad because policies will be tailored to favour the GLCs rather than the whole private industry. That's how it distorts the market and the private sector suffers because of that,' Chin explained. He called for a Procurement Act that will be a game changer to equalise the playing field distorted by government's preference or overzealous enforcement of Bumiputra policies. 'Of course, all GLCs can be turned around! Nothing is impossible. All that is needed is political will and political courage. Hajiji (Chief Minister) has started the ball rolling. There are capable Sabahan officers and professionals who can turn around the GLCs!' 'For the first time in Sabah with Hajiji as CM and Masidi as Finance Minister, we have the political courage. The abuses, losses and misgovernance of GLCs have been swept under the carpet for too long. Hajiji has appointed Masidi to be in charge of all GLCs.' 'Sabah Voices to Action - Shaping Sabah's Future Together' is a citizen-driven, non-partisan initiative running from March to June 2025, dedicated to amplifying Sabahans' voices, fostering meaningful discussions, and shaping policies on education, healthcare, public infrastructure, and good governance. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Sabah has many lightweight politicians
Published on: Sunday, June 01, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 01, 2025 By: John Lo Text Size: Many Leaders Don't Appreciate Problems of Majority of Sabahans. Worse. Some are plain ignorant, couldn't careless or greedy and selfish.[1] Leaders from Malaya: Advertisement They fly in their private jets, others in business class [some with marauding and predatory businessmen in tow], welcomed at the airport, ushered into KKIA VIP lounge, given VIPs treatment by subservient Sabahans. Chauffeur driven in expensive limousine or Lexus 4x4. Can't feel the bumps and potholes on the bad roads. Expensive five star meals. Give rousing speeches, promises of pie in the sky with their sleek tongues, but with little relevance to the plights of Sabahans. VIP send offs at KKIA VIP lounge. Wave good-byes to their Sabah macai. All the promises in their speeches to Sabahans forgotten before they enter their planes. Next time, don't listen to their words. Watch their body language. To them, Sabah is only a small piece of their political jigsaw, not 1/3 partner of Malaysia, that needs to be controlled and owned for their national political strategy and to fuel their personal national political ambitions. To them, Sabah political leaders are like tea bags, needed when useful, after use, dust bin in they go. Ask yourselves, how many leaders from Malaya did really care for Sabahans? Look at the poverty in Sabah, the huge disparity of development in Sabah and Malaya. Sabah would have been developed if only the Federal Government has devoted 10pc of fund and efforts that it has poured into Selangor for Sabah. There lies your answer. Any 'naughty' Sabah leaders, especially 'branch managers' of Malayan parties, would be cast off swiftly. This has been ongoing since MA63. Can Sabahans blame them? No. They have their own political base, state and federal political ambitions to worry! Blame our leaders who have boxed themselves and Sabah into this unenviable rat-hole, all because they have failed their duties to Sabahans. They have downgraded Sabah's position to inconsequence and irrelevance politically and economically. To the Malayan leaders, how important is Sabah in comparison with other states? Very unimportant for a simple reason, Sabah leaders can be 'sorted' out easily, submissive and undemanding. Reflections of these are on the shabby treatments, among many others, in the allocation of development fund and total lack of representation in Federal agencies and GLCs for Sabah. For that, Sabahans have suffered for it for decades. [2] Very Few Sabah leaders can stand up to Malayan leaders. Rare. Very few. Not enough of them! Most Sabah Leaders are no match compared with Leaders from Malaya. Sabah has too many light weight political leaders. There is a giant vacuum, a very severe shortage of statesmanship among Sabah leaders. Urgently required: 'Sabah for Sabahans' Leaders with Quality. Are there such leaders? Very, very few! How many leaders are expounding their economic ideas to make our lives better in the coming election? Our only hope is that the 2025 election will bless us with a few more. What Leadership Qualities Sabah must have? [1] Decent, Principled, Upright, Assertive with Wisdom and Pragmatism, Able to Command Respect from Malayan Leaders in Federal Government. Example? As a matter of principle, Rafizi has just resigned as Economy Minister. He has refused to cling on to power. No Sabah equivalent. [2] Appreciative of economic plights of Sabahans from the B40, rural farmers, fishermen and young families whose meagre incomes are being eroded by incessant inflation at an alarming speed. How many care Sabah children are walking through mud and rain on empty stomachs to schools? [3] In depth understanding of Sabah's deep-rooted and long outstanding economic malaises, especially the loss of economic ownership to non-Sabahans. [4] Assertive leadership on 40% net revenue share, TSA 2012, MA63 Rights, equitable representation as 1/3 partner in all important Federal Agencies, GLCs, GLICs and Statutory Bodies. All these are Malaya centric. Equally important, Sabah must have a say in all important Federal Policies, especially monetary, fiscal, investment, industrialization. [5] Stop leakages. Tighten and expand collection of revenue: So much resources, so much poverty. This situation must be obvious to anyone who cares. Leakages from corruption, careless procurements, poor collection of taxes, senseless spending. A lot of potential revenue can be collected. Masidi is doing a good job in plugging many of these loopholes, hence the impressive increase of state revenue. This must continue. [6] Stop GLCs' massive Bleeding. Indifferent chairmen and directors, poor and bad governance have bled away billions. Hajiji and Masidi have initiated revamp with an oversight committee and appointed some good/qualified people in SMJ Energy, Sabah Energy, SOGDC, Sabah Credit, POIC LD. This will require extraordinary leadership quality with political courage to continue the revamp. Sorting out the GLCs will be equivalent to solving more than 50% of Sabah's economic problems. The GLCs, mostly not performing, are in all important economic sectors and have monopolies. Sabah's economy will be great if the GLCs can be transformed to perform. If each of the 250 GLCs, on average, can contribute Rm20m dividend, this will amount to RM5b to Sabah's revenue. If each GLC can generate 10 meaningful jobs for, it will come to 2,500. 100 will be 25,000! We can say good bye to unemployment. The multiplier effects will tremendous! Sabah will be great again. Absolutely possible 1: KPJ Hospital Group [Johor SEDCO] makes RM350m profit, has 15,000 employees. Its market capitalization of RM1.9b. How many Sabah's GLC can match KPJ's profits? Absolutely possible 2: Many Sabah's GLCs have many monopolies, free land, Sabah Government's backing and special concessions and approvals. But they must monetize all these advantages. Grow the Economy, Manage the Resources, Retain and Attract more investments. Sabah leaders must grow the economy as a top priority. Grow and expand the economy is the ultimate solution to solve Sabah perennial problems of infrastructures and unemployment. In trying to grow the Sabah's economy, Hajiji has laid the foundation for Sabah's economic restructure. Substantial progress so far, especially in oil/gas and manufacturing. He has also attracted RM58b investments. Deeply saddening that a very tiny number of leaders, up to now, have shared their ideas on growing the economy, managing Sabah's resources for Sabahans, retain investment already in Sabah and attract more investment. Steering the Sabah's economy onto a growth path will be very challenging in the very uncertain global, multipolar world. Both World Bank and IMF have downgraded global growth. Malaysia too. Sabah will be impacted. No escape. Good economic leadership can minimize these impacts. Give a Strong Madate to the next Government. A weak government will mean stagnant economy and lots of uncertainties. Worse, it will be subject to manipulations and instability. There may be more blackmails or attempts to overthrow of our government. Unlikely that a weak government can undertake or continue the economic transformation. Sabahans must give a strong mandate to the next government to solve all the perennial problems in Sabah, claims of MA63 rights from Federal Government and tackle global uncertainties. My Appeal to Leaders of all major Sabah Parties. Reduce fighting, focus your energy and plans on how you will manage Sabah's economy. Sabahans deserve better deals from the Federal Government, better lives, more job and investment opportunities and most of all a more secured future. We don't want leaders only good with empty promises. We need statesmen who are well versed in economic management and who can deliver a better future for all Sabahans. Last and most important, Sabah must have leaders who can stand tall with Federal leaders, maintain a respectful and collaborative relationship.
