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Sabah is plagued with over-supply of “political dinosaurs”. 

[i] Definition “political dinosaurs” 

The term “political dinosaurs” is a metaphorical expression used to describe politicians, leaders, or institutions that are seen as outdated, resistant to change, or clinging to obsolete ideologies in a rapidly evolving political landscape.

[ii] Key Characteristics of Political Dinosaurs:

[a] Outdated Ideologies– They adhere to old-fashioned policies or beliefs that no longer align with contemporary societal values.

[b] Resistance to Change– They oppose progressive reforms, technological advancements, or shifts in public opinion.

[c] Long Tenure in Power– Often, they have held power for decades, becoming disconnected from newer generations.

[d] Loss of Relevance– Their influence persists due to institutional inertia rather than popular support.

[iii] Who are these “political dinosaurs”.

Can be easily discerned. Just use [i] and [ii] above as bench mark to identify them.

Unless they are self-delusory, the “political dinosaurs” should know themselves as “siapa makan cili dia rasa pedas”

Sabah must have injection of new political talents. Sabah needs new young leaders with brain for economic management, courage to speak up and protect Sabah’s rights and interest. Above all, they must have statesmanship.

Sabah voters, in self-interest, should send this message out well before 2025 election: The “political dinosaurs” should volunteer to retire or be retired by the voters in 2025 election. 

Enough is enough. Sabahans have suffered enough of economic indignity, poverty, lowest household income, bad infrastructures, poor education, badly needed health improvement, highest unemployment for last 40 years. 

We want new blood, fresh minds with up-to-date ideas, commitments to better governance to lead Sabah forward, to regain our economic ownership, to catch up with other states and above all, to transform Sabah so that we can be relevant and compete in the AI world.

Don’t accept Political Dinosaur leaders regurgitating with endless supply of failed hopes. Seek out and support for leaders or parties that can attract new blood. Sabah voters must vote for political leaders who can serve us, not us serving them.

Sabahan voters must look at what and how political leaders can improve our lives.

The bottom line is very simple; are we going to vote for better lives in all aspects, brighter futures for our children and grandchildren, more and better food on the table?

To achieve this, do not take their words for it. Thousands of empty promises, unfulfilled to this day. Take everything that they say, not with the proverbial grain of salt, but with a ton of it! Look at their characters, their lavish life style; those make the most noise are the least doers. Remember William Gurnall’s quotation: “Least doers are the greatest boasters.” No humility, no compassion for our least fortunate fellow Sabahans. They only want to win the election, grab the perks of political office.

Political leaders should produce fresh ideas to move Sabah forward.

[i] Hajiji has started to restructure Sabah’s economy including:

[a] regains, among others, of rights in oil and gas which have generated unprecedented investments and jobs for Sabahans.

[b] foundation of Sabah’s manufacturing industry.

[c] unprecedented investments total RM58 billions. The investments cover various sectors, including infrastructure, tourism, agriculture, and technology.

True that Sabah still has many problems. Complaining will not rid these problems. Constructive ideas, be they from government or opposition, are the only way to bring progress to Sabah. 

Political Dinosaurs know how to complain, to run down others, not solution to real problems.

But can’t offer any constructive solutions. Have no idea how to grow the economy. Don’t now the amount required to solve the water, road, power problems, badly maintained schools, poor health facilities. Where to get the funds to solve all the problems that have been accumulated for 40 years.

Political Dinosaurs have been in politics for a long time, have enjoyed the perks of political office. Have they solved the problems that Sabahans have been suffering in the last 40 years? What have they been doing in the last 40 years?

Unity is our salvation.  Hopefully the dawn of better days that we have now from Hajiji will continue after 2025 election. If our leaders continue to fight for their selfish agenda, Sabah may “go-stand” back into the dark ages of the last 40 years. 

The federal leaders, including Anwar, will certainly look at our political leaders, not with respect, but with disdain and disrespect. How to regain more rights? How to fight for our 40% net revenue share? 

So easy to exploit selfish leaders. Do predictable. No sophistication. They swallow the baits without fail every time. Can we blame them for exploiting the weaknesses of our leaders? No, we can’t cos it is our own fault, voting into office this type of leaders We have elected leaders who love themselves; their perks and self-interest more than they love Sabah.

We cannot afford Political Dinosaurs anymore. We must have leaders who love Sabah, who can juga rumah kita.

Sabah must have creditable who can unite for the sake of Sabah. Politics is the art of the impossible possible. Admittedly, political differences are plenty. These differences are largely personal, personal interest, personality, ego. Little ideological.

If our leaders can transform their paper-thin love for Sabah into true love, put aside their political egos, unity can be achieved with little difficulty. Possible? Of course. Working together for a common goal to develop Sabah will be so easy.

With this unity, all of Sabah’s economic problems will be resolved a lot quicker.

The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]