16-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Sabah's rights fight belongs to all, not just local parties
LAHAD DATU: The struggle for Sabah's rights is not exclusive to any local party but a shared responsibility of all Sabahans who want to see the state's future safeguarded, said former Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak.
"There is often the assumption that only local parties are entitled to speak on Sabah's rights.
"In truth, this struggle belongs to all Sabahans. It is not the exclusive right of any single party," said Salleh, who is also the Sabah Umno treasurer.
He added that whether a party is local or national, both are merely platforms.
"What matters is the sincerity and capability of leaders to elevate Sabah's voice."
Salleh said parties such as the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah, although part of national coalitions, are still local parties that ensure Sabah's voice is better heard at the federal level.
He added that issues such as the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), state revenue and autonomy are no longer peripheral discussions.
"These matters have been elevated to the federal level, embedded in the Federal Constitution, discussed in the Cabinet and made part of the Unity Government's joint agenda."
"What the people of Sabah want today is not about who is more 'Sabahan' or more 'local'.
"What truly matters is who is sincere, stable and capable of fulfilling their promises," he said.
