Kota Kinabalu: Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) President Tan Sri T.C. Goh said the “Chinese swing” in Chinese-majority constituencies during the Sabah state election should not be interpreted as the community being anti-government or rejecting the Sabah coalition.
Instead, FCAS said it was driven by support for local parties and candidates championing Sabah autonomy.
Goh, who is also Huazong Permanent Honorary President and Hokkien Associations of Sabah & Labuan President, cited two clear indicators to back this claim:First, peninsula parties suffered heavy losses – only Umno (6 seats), PKR (1) and PAS (1) won seats out of 73 total.
Second, all other winners – including the ruling Sabah coalition and opposition – are local parties that emphasise and uphold Sabah autonomy.
Goh’s remarks came in response to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor’s lament that despite unprecedented assistance to the Chinese community over five years, some were unaware of these efforts, leading to unexpected election outcomes.
Goh said the Chinese community appreciates the state government’s contributions and has confidence in Hajiji as a “moderate, harmonious leader for all Sabahans.”
