Vote for those who truly love Sabah
Published on: Sunday, November 06, 2022
By: Datuk John Lo
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Being a Sabahan and a firm believer in the Sabahans First Policy, I agree with this statement 100% provided all things being equal [ceteris paribus].
Unfortunately, all things being equal is a rarity in real life. It does not exist in politics.
Sabah’s experience is instructive on this point.
Since 1963, Sabah has been ruled by [a] Sabah based parties.
[b] Parties with HQ in KL.
[c] Sabah based parties within a coalition. Sabah is rich in experience of being ruled by all sorts of political party concoctions.
The fact remains that Sabah is still the poorest state with the richest resources in Malaysia. Sabahans must ask why is this. Can Sabah improve its economy from now onwards? If not, what is the cause? How to remove this cancer tumour?
Economically, there has been ups and downs—-unfortunately for Sabah, there have been many more downs than ups since 1963.
When Sabah was down, we were really down, so much so that the Sabah Government had to borrow from the Federal Government to pay our civil servants. During this dark period, Sabah was ruled by a Sabah party.
Sabah has been up distinctively twice, first time under a Sabah based party and the second time under a coalition led by a non-Sabah party.
Therefore, it is not automatic that Sabah will progress or prosper when Sabah is ruled by Sabah party.
Let’s not get overly emotional about this issue of “Sabah parties” business. Let’s “inspect the teeth of the horse” before casting your vote. Carefully look at the candidate and his track records and that of his party.
Then if all things being equal, vote for a Sabah party or coalition.
What is best for Sabah?
Behind the calls for support of Sabah parties, there is very little, if any, vision or plan to show how Sabah will be managed.
I would be more comfortable to give my support if the Sabahan parties can produce some visions or plan.
Bearing in mind all the above, the most critical things for Sabah are some of the followings:
[3a] Do the leaders have Integrity, Commitment and Love for Sabah?
Leaders without these 3 qualities, all is lost for Sabah. It does not matter whether they are from a Sabah or a non-Sabah party.
We have seen it before. Our leaders must have these qualities They need to convince Sabahans that they are not greedy, selfish for power and positions.
[3b] Do the leaders know Economic Management? Can they restructure Sabah’s Economy? Do you feel they can provide a better future for you and your children?
It is blatantly clear that many Sabah leaders have little knowledge of economic management.
Sabah is a big state, with lots of resources especially land, oil and gas. Why are we doing badly? The answer is clear. Bad economic management, lack of economic leadership.
Sabah’s economy needs restructuring in economic ownership and activities, new businesses, nurture young Sabahans in business and the professions and many more creditable domestic and foreign investors.
[3c] Do the leaders know how to deal with KL?
This is a key issue. Even with MA63 constitutional amendments, Sabah leaders will have a hard time dealing with political leaders in KL [doesn’t matter who is in Federal Government].
The reason is simple, their pollical base and their voters are there, not in Sabah!
The long arduous journey of becoming a truly and meaningful 1/3 partner in Malaysia has hardly begun.
There is so much more to do, to overcome the vested political and financial interests in W Malaysia that can deprive Sabah of our rightful entitlements.
The leverage of power, money and everything else are in W Malaysians’ control.
Sabah politicians have precious little to fight with. Sabah is poorly represented in all the institutions of government.
The dice is heavily loaded against Sabah! Just look at the crummy allocated for Sabah in the recent budget.
Blindly, brainlessly demanding or urging our leaders to fight KL is suicidal, doomed to fail.
To be victorious over this epic battle, the Sabah leaders must possess cool heads, effective strategy and very importantly, seek out the right advisers.
Best example is Hajiji’s success in regaining some of Sabah’s rights in oil and gas in 2021/2022. He was ably assisted by DSP Masidi.
His adviser is Datuk Seri Lim Haw Kuang, a Sabahan from Tawau. He is a major corporate figure, director of many reputable companies and recently retired as the Executive Chairman of Shell Companies in China.
The success of Hajiji/Masidi/Lim Haw Kung combination will benefit Sabah tremendously for many years to come.
[3d] Can Sabah political leaders unite?
This is the RM64 million question.
If Sabah politicians stay divided like it has been in the past 30 years, a Sabah party in power is irrelevant. We are doomed anyway as the other politicians will pull it down.
Full time fighting, no time for our economic welfare. Without political unity, Sabah will continue to be a little pawn in a very big pond, Sabahans will continue to be mired in poverty. Sabah’s wealth and resources will continue to be siphoned away by the billions.
Sabah is 1/3 partner in Malaysia on paper only and will remain an irrelevant, ignominious state for the next 50years.
Rumah Sabah Kita, Kita Jaga.
How do we “Rumah Sabah Kita, Kita Jaga?” Our Rumah Sabah needs a good head of the family. If the head of the family is not good, the Rumah Sabah will soon degenerate into a state of ruins. A good head of the family will see Rumah Sabah prosper!
This is basic. We all know what a good father should be. He should have these fundamental values if he loves his wife and children:
[4a] provide a roof for the family.
[4b] there is enough food on the table and make sure the children are well fed.
[4c] the children receive good education and medical attention.
[4d] A plan to provide for the future of his loved ones.
[4e] Saving for a rainy day.
[4f] Shower them with love and affection.
All these and other essentials are reflective of a leader’s quality.
Seek out such a leader in Sabah. Please support him with all your heart.
- The views expressed here are the views of the writer Datuk John Lo and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express.
- If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]
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