Kota Kinabalu: There is no problem with “Sabah for Sabahans”, “Sabah First”, “Sabah Rumah Kita” or any other slogan being used by the people of Sabah as part of their aspirations, said United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) President Datuk Ewon Benedick.
Disagreeing with Barisan Nasional Chairman-cum Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Zahidi who labelled it as “divisive”, he said:
“For me, it is a form of patriotic spirit. As long as it aims to foster the spirit of unity among Sabahans and strengthens broader national cohesion, any slogans or similar themes are acceptable.”
Ewon, who is also the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister, said that there is also no restriction on Sabah-based parties adopting their own political approach, including forming alliances and cooperation with other parties through national coalitions.
The “Sabah for Sabahans” slogan has become a familiar theme among parties wanting the Sabah Government to be led by Sabah-based parties or Sabah-based coalitions, instead of by Sabahans heading peninsula-based parties or coalitions at state-level.
Upko and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) are the only Sabah-based parties that are part of the peninsula-based BN led by Umno.
“As President of a party from Sabah, I truly understand the sentiments and aspirations of the people here. That is why I also emphasise that local aspirations must be the basis of negotiations in larger political coalitions in Sabah,” he said.
According to him, the people want solutions to their problems, not loud voices championing the cause.
He also does not see any issue regarding the political mould choices of Sabah parties, which include forming cooperation with other parties at the national level or with “foreign” parties that uphold democratic practices.
“I am more inclined to look at the effectiveness of cooperation between parties in finding solutions to the people’s problems.
“Our spirit and the slogans we chant must be able to contribute to solving the basic problems of our people, such as roads, internet coverage, and so on.
“No matter how strong the slogan, if the people’s basic problems still cannot be solved after decades, then it remains a slogan.
“That is why for the area I represent, I want to build additional strength by cooperating with other parties, including the cooperative movement, to solve the people’s problems, because I know the allocation for elected representatives is limited,” he said.
