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By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright July 2024
In the ever-evolving political landscape of Malaysia, the question of why Sabah remains economically lagging despite its rich natural resources and strategic location is a perennial debate.
Recently, Parti Solidariti Tanahairku (Sabah Star) Deputy President Datuk Kenny Chua made a striking assertion that Sabah's poverty is a result of decades of rule by peninsula-based parties.
He suggested that the state’s socio-economic woes are a legacy inherited by the GRS State Government and the people of Sabah, who now see local governance as the path to prosperity, much like their Borneo neighbors in Sarawak.
Chua’s comments, while politically charged, touch on a broader sentiment of disenfranchisement among Sabahans. For many, the narrative of being left behind by a central government perceived as indifferent or exploitative has a powerful resonance.
Sabah’s resource wealth, particularly in oil and gas, has often been a source of contention, with local leaders arguing that the state has not received a fair share of revenues, which are instead siphoned off to the federal coffers.
However, this narrative is not without its counterpoints. Sabah BN Chairman Datuk Bung Moktar Radin countered Chua’s claims by suggesting that local parties are to blame for the state’s economic stagnation.
This argument points to issues of governance and local political dynamics, implying that the blame cannot solely be laid at the feet of external forces.
The reality likely lies somewhere in between. While there is validity to the argument that peninsula-based parties have not always prioritised Sabah's unique needs, local governance has also struggled with issues such as corruption, lack of infrastructure development, and inadequate public services.
The comparison to Sarawak, which has managed to maintain a level of economic stability and political autonomy, highlights what can be achieved with strong local leadership and effective governance.
However, it also underlines the importance of resource control and equitable revenue distribution, both of which are critical to addressing the economic disparities that Sabah faces.
Chua’s call for governance by local parties reflects a broader desire for greater autonomy and self-determination in Sabah. This sentiment is not unique to Sabah but is part of a wider trend across the globe where regional identities are asserting themselves against centralised authority. The call for local parties to govern can be seen as a desire for policies that are more closely aligned with local needs and aspirations, and for leaders who are more directly accountable to their constituents.
Yet, the transition to a governance model dominated by local parties is not a panacea. It requires a commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive development.
For Sabah to emulate Sarawak’s success, there must be a focus on building robust institutions, investing in education and infrastructure, and ensuring that economic growth benefits all segments of society.
In the end, the debate over who is to blame for Sabah's economic challenges is less important than the question of how to move forward. Both peninsula-based and local parties have a role to play in this process.
What is crucial is that the people of Sabah have a say in their own future and that their leaders—whether local or from the peninsula—are held accountable for delivering on promises of economic development and prosperity.
The key lies in balancing the desire for greater local autonomy with the practical realities of governance, ensuring that Sabah can finally realise its full potential.
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