Kota Kinabalu: Sabah needs leadership that is grounded in integrity, vision, and an unwavering commitment to the rights and dignity of its people, said Warisan Supreme Councillor and MA63 Research Head, Mazliwati Abdul Malek.
Highlighting Sabah’s rich culture, abundant resources and resilient spirit, Mazliwati emphasised the urgent need for the state to regain full autonomy in managing its own affairs – economically, environmentally, and socially – without what she described as “unnecessary outside control.”
“Autonomy is not a privilege. It is our right under the Malaysia Agreement 1963, and it must be safeguarded,” she said in a statement.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});She also issued a stern warning against the dangers of corruption, pointing out that leaders who prioritise personal gain compromise Sabah’s institutions and future.
“Corrupt leaders are easily manipulated and become weak negotiators, making it impossible for Sabah to stand strong or secure the best outcomes for its people,” she stressed.
Mazliwati called for integrity to be placed at the heart of the state’s pursuit of self-governance.
“In our pursuit of greater self-governance, integrity must be treated not as an option, but as an absolute requirement.
“We must demand leaders who are clean, principled, and deeply rooted in service – not those who serve themselves or bow to distant powers,” she said.
She added that Sabah’s progress depends not only on policy direction, but on the character of its leaders.
She urged voters to be vigilant and to choose leaders who truly represent Sabah’s voice and interests.
“The time has come to think beyond personalities and promises, and instead to commit to a leadership that is local, clean, and determined to see Sabah truly thrive,” she concluded.
Mazliwati’s statement comes amid growing public calls for stronger state rights and cleaner governance, particularly in light of Sabah’s ongoing push to reclaim powers under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).