Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Barisan Nasional Chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin issued a scathing attack on local parties, accusing them of exploiting the “Sabah for Sabahans” slogan as mere political bait while failing to unite for the state’s interests.
The Sabah Umno Chief said there are at least 10 local parties recognised by the Registrar of Societies (RoS), yet they do not seem united despite claiming to champion Sabah rights.
“The truth is simple: everyone wants power, not to serve,” Bung said.
He claimed that GRS is proof of how a local party’s promises ring hollow, pointing out its failure to defend the people and the integrity scandal that has plagued the administration.
“‘Sabah for Sabahans’ and ‘local parties’ have become shields to hide weaknesses and power-hungry ambitions,” he said.
He said Sabah does not need 10 parties competing for seats and influence, it needs one honest, stable direction focused on the people.
“Enough of Sabah being victims of political slogans. What the people want is not empty rhetoric but clean, courageous leadership that serves,” Bung said.
Earlier, BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasised that the coalition serves as a political platform for Sabahans to champion their cause in advancing the state’s development.
He highlighted BN’s key role in defending Sabah’s sovereignty during the 2013 Lahad Datu intrusion.
He questioned who negotiated with the Sulu group when Tanduo became ground zero and who ordered air force deployment to evacuate Felda Sahabat workers.
“We are all Malaysians loyal to our country, regardless of state,” he said during the Majlis Amanah Rakyat Women’s Empowerment Programme and Malaysia Madani Nationhood Seminar launch.
Ahmad Zahid stressed that Sabah BN has been granted autonomy reflecting central leadership’s confidence in Sabahans determining their own political direction.
He explained Sabah Umno and BN are not regarded as peninsula-based but as Sabah’s people’s party invited by Sabahans to help the state.
The deputy prime minister expressed confidence in BN forming a stable government in Sabah through cooperation with other coalitions sharing development goals.
“God willing, BN is ready to work with any coalition or party to form a government so we can share power,” he added.
He pledged that BN would deliver all commitments in their upcoming manifesto during the first term of government.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad attended the event.
Sabah BN chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin and Mara chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki were also present.