KUNAK: Former Chief Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak said the question of political dominance in Sabah should be determined by the people of Sabah, not by parties.
He said Sabah’s political future cannot continue to be shackled by narrow racial sentiments or disputes between local and national parties.
Advertisement
“We should not get trapped in debates over who is better - local parties or national parties. For me, what matters most is not the party label but who truly represents the people’s voice. The dominant force must be Sabahans themselves,” he said.
Salleh said this at the launch of the Radu Tetap Radu programme at the Pangi polling district level, organised by Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) for the Kunak state constituency at Sarina Beach on Monday.
The Sabah Umno treasurer said parties are merely vehicles, but what is more important is how they are used to champion the welfare and development of the people.
“I am from BN, a national party, but I believe Sabah’s future must be determined by Sabahans. We should choose leaders who work for everyone, not those who play narrow sentiments,” said Salleh, who was joined by Lahad Datu Umno Youth Chief Datuk Sri Anil Sandhu and other State BN leaders.
Advertisement
.gif)
Salleh urged Sabahans, particularly in the east coast areas like Kunak, to reject racial politics and hatred sentiments that could divide the State’s unity.
“We need representatives who can help solve people’s problems. The people want solutions, not rhetoric,” he said.
Last Sunday, Hajiji said local parties must be dominant in Sabah politics and should be prioritised in forming cooperation for the ucoming 17th state election during the opening of the 2025 Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Sabah Bersatu (Usno) Central Congress in Kota Belud.
