Kota Kinabalu: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Datuk Chin Su Phin has called on Sabahans to prioritise pragmatic development over emotional politics in the coming State election.
“Maintaining strong Federal ties is essential for securing important infrastructure funding,” he said at the party’s fourth Central Supreme Council Meeting for the 2024-2027 term, recently. Chin pointed out the 2026 Federal Budget as evidence of this approach’s effectiveness, noting that Sabah received its highest-ever development allocation due to constructive engagement with Putrajaya.
“Whether we like it or not, the political reality is that Pakatan Harapan leads the federal government. For Sabah’s development, we must be pragmatic. Only through constructive relations can resources flow into the state for major infrastructure projects,” he said.
Chin said voters should not confuse the state election with an opportunity for immediate autonomy, pointing out that the real chance to reclaim greater self-governance will come during the next general election in two years.
“The upcoming election is a state election, not a parliamentary one. Development must come first, autonomy will flow automatically. The real opportunity will be in the next general election when we can send truly local-based parties to Parliament through Sabah’s 25 parliamentary seats,” he said.
He urged Sabahans to follow Sarawak’s model of building strength through development before pursuing autonomy from a position of power.
He pointed out various infrastructure projects initiated by the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government, including dams and power plant developments across the state, with some already completed and others nearing completion.
“We must first make Sabah strong. Once development and stability are achieved, we will have the capability to talk about autonomy. These projects are crucial to addressing Sabahans’ most urgent needs,” Chin said.
He reminded voters against opposition rhetoric and emotional slogans, reminding them that regardless of which party governs, Sabah’s development especially large-scale infrastructure will continue to depend on Federal support.
On Upko’s announcement to contest under its own banner despite being a Pakatan Harapan (PH) component party, Chin questioned the sincerity of such a move.
“Any PH component party wishing to cooperate with the GRS must contest under the PH banner. One cannot claim to represent PH while contesting under their own logo. That is contradictory and irresponsible,” he said.
Chin said political positions must be clear and consistent, adding that as a GRS component party, the LDP will continue to uphold principles of political clarity and cooperation.
He said the LDP will maintain its pragmatic, people-first approach, working with other GRS component parties to ensure continued development while gradually expanding Sabah’s autonomous space.
“We must learn from Sarawak’s model, develop first, autonomy comes automatically. Only when Sabah grows stronger can we engage the federal government as equals in the next general election. That is how Sabahans gain autonomy,” he said.