Daily Express Subscriber
Sign in to your account.

PAPAR: Former Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan has reiterated that Sabah must be governed by local parties to ensure that the state’s interests are truly prioritised.

He said local leadership is essential to drive development that reflects Sabah’s unique needs rather than relying on peninsula-led coalitions.

“If the dominance comes from Semenanjung, they are not thinking about our development here,” he said after officiating Limbahau PBS' annual general meeting in Kampung Sungkadon-Novoung on Sunday.

The event was attended by Limbahau PBS head Datuk Johnny Mositun, senior leaders Datuk Seri Radin Malleh and Datuk Edward Yong, former Buang Sayang assemblyman Datuk Claudius Sundang Alex, and divisional representatives.

Pairin, who is also Huguan Siou of the Kadazan Dusun Murut community, said key matters under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) remain unresolved despite over 60 years since Malaysia’s formation.

“We are supposed to be over 60 years already, and yet we are still suffering,” he said, urging Sabahans to support local parties in the upcoming 17th State Election.

He affirmed that his position is in line with the “Sabah for Sabahans” call, saying the sentiment is a necessary reminder.