TAWAU: State-Federal alignment is not the main determinant of development, but the ability of voters to choose a government that consistently prioritises state rights and the welfare of its people, said Sri Tanjong candidate Justin Wong.
He criticised the message promoted by DAP sec-gen Anthony Loke and Sabah DAP deputy chairman Chan Foong Hin, calling the slogan “only with state and federal alignment will Sabah progress” misleading.
Wong, who is Warisan’s Deputy Information Chief, said history contradicts that narrative, pointing to the 2008 general election when Penang and Selangor changed governments for the first time while the Federal government remained under Barisan Nasional.
“Despite not being aligned, both Pakatan Rakyat-led states became national examples of integrity and high performance,” he said.
He said even without political alignment, cooperation between state and federal leaders at the time remained strong because they demonstrated political maturity and placed public interest above political rhetoric.
“Why are they (DAP) silent when their coalition partners face mass corruption allegations?” he asked.
“With a state government that can make decisions independently without waiting for approval from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah will change. That is Warisan’s strength, and that is Sabah’s new future,” he said.
