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IT is deeply unfortunate that Sabah has too many megaphone ADUNs/MPs. Their public statements are frequently populist and inconsequential, aimed to arouse political emotion and animosity, devoid of substance. These statements are worthless in helping Sabahans’ economic advancement.

They seek short term political heroism at the expense of long-term economic development and improvements of the people. 

In the past 65 years, Sabah has far too many loud politicians who have done little for Sabahans except indulging in endless talking, unkept promises, going round shaking hands and making speeches. These are bench warmers.

In short, these ADUNs/MPs are economic-leader failures.

Note: A small number of ADUNs/MPs are conscientious. This article is not meant them.

ADUNs/MPs’ duties are more than just passing legislations and arousing emotion for their political benefits.

If ADUNs/MPs merely votes on a bill and then return to their constituencies to shout populist slogans, they have abandoned their mandate from the voters.

Responsible, genuine leaders should possess the following attributes: 

[1] Focus on quality, substantive debates in DUN/PARLIAMENT. Conduct research and consult experts if necessary to deepen their understanding on the subject matters so that their contribution in DUN/PARLIAMENT can be meaningful. Above all, must talk sense in the DUN/PARLIAMENT. Only in this way they can give Sabah good laws. Skip the political platitudes.

[2] Passing good laws will equate to ZERO if the ADUNs/MPs neglect to educate the electorate on the laws that have been enacted.

[3] This is important. ADUNs/MPs must act as a bridge between the authorities and the people to ensure compliance of the laws and benefits from sound economic policies.

[4] Providing leadership to their voters on the available economic opportunities in the on-going restructuring of the economy by Hajiji.

To help Sabahans in the assessment of the quality of ADUNs/MPs, this is the weightage I would give to their performance:

[a] Sitting in the DUN/PARLIAMENT and passing laws: 10%.

Many ADUNs/MPs think their attendance in DUN/PARLIAMENT with attendant publicity, is the ultimate. NO. It means nothing if they just sit there without meaningful contribution.

[b] Their duty to educate the public on legal compliance and economic opportunities are critical in the context of advancing Sabahans’ development: 20%

[c] Acting as a bridge between the authorities and voters: 30%.

Their ability to explain the laws and economic policies will empower Sabahans to pursue their economic advancement.

[d] Most importantly, providing proactive leadership to their voters to secure economic opportunities and better lives: 40% 

Reasons for heavier weightage in [d] is to position Sabahans to maximize benefits of the opportunities available, not to be grabbed by outsiders.

To summarise, the ADUNs’/MPs’ most important overall duty is to ensure Sabah will never revert to the dark ages of the past, i.e. Sabah has the richest resources and majority of Sabahans have been kept impoverished. 

This is not partisan politics. It is the most fundamental duty of all ADUNs/MPs.

If the ADUNs’/MPs’ failure to perform this basic duty, Hajiji’s effort fighting for the return of Sabah’s rights from the Federal Government and restructure of the economy will go to waste. 

2 EXAMPLES OF ADUNs/MPs HAVING FAILED IN THEIR DUTIES. 

Example 1: Illegal Parking in KK.

The problems of illegal parking are very bad in KK. Double, triple parking at busy streets and parking on 5-foot paths are common They cause inconveniences to other law-abiding users. Illegal parking poses dangers for vehicles and pedestrians, especially to the elderly. Most of the walking paths have been damaged by illegal parking. In Foh Sang, illegal parking is a daily occurrence even though the multi-storey car park is half empty. There are sufficient car parks!

The culprits are the small minority who cause inconveniences to the majority law abiding drivers, pedestrians and costly repairs to DBKK.

Why would some ADUNs/MPs ask DPKK to go easy on these illegal parking? This beats me! Illegal parking is convenient to a small number and create inconvenience to the majority. Illegal parking laws are simple. As leaders, the ADUNs/MPs should take the lead to educate these drivers in their constituencies.

It is easy to make seemingly popular statements. But do the ADUNs/MPs have the ultimate solution for disciplined parking?

By asking DBKK to ease enforcement for 6 months, the ADUNs/MPs have failed to say what would happen after 6 months, if illegal parking is just as bad. Will the ADUNs/MPs take responsibility? Will they ask for another extension? When can this problem be solved? Are the ADUNs/MPs encouraging illegal parking which is against the law? Will they personally assist DBKK by leading its enforcement team after the grace period?

Are the ADUNs/MPs aware that DBKK’s actions and imposition of fines are comparatively reasonable. Please see the comparation table showing the what other cities are doing. 

Example 2: Unemployment and job opportunities.

Since Hajiji has taken back some rights in oil and gas [upstream and downstream], a large amount of investment in this industry have come in. More are coming in. The result is there are insufficient skilled Sabahans for the many jobs vacancies. Here is a situation that the ADUNs/MPs, if they are really keen to help Sabahans looking for jobs can do the followings:

[1] Get an update on the number and types of employment opportunities in the oil and gas industry that Hajiji has created.

[2] Mobilize unemployed Sabahans and those working outside Sabah and inform them on these job opportunities.

[3] Organize, where necessary, training for them.

[4] Establish liaisons with oil and gas companies, seek out their training opportunities and job openings. Mobilize and encourage Sabahans in their respective constituencies to go for these opportunities.

The ADUNs/MPs cannot plead ignorance of the tremendous progress in the oil and gas industry since Hajiji has become CM. Reflecting of the growing importance of Sabah in this industry. there have been 2 oil and gas conferences in SICC, KK within 2 months. Some top executives from oil and gas major companies from as far as Huston, Texas of USA have flown into KK to attend. This is the best testimony of Hajiji’s success in regaining oil and gas rights and the impressive progress in this industry.

The oil and gas industry offer lucrative pays for Sabahans with the right skills.

OTHER AVENUES THAT ADUNs/MPs CAN HELP SABAHANS.

The obvious one is the opportunities in MICE which is a bourgeoning industry. MICE is high value tourism, much higher than general tourism that Sabah is having now. The ADUNs/MPs can work closely with Datuk Jafry, the Minister in charge of tourism to create more job opportunities.

Another avenue that most ADUNs/MPs have kept salient. The lack of opportunities for Sabahans in the oil palm industry. They can and should speak out, fight and pressure the oil palm companies from Malaya to go downstream and create jobs for Sabahans.

HAJIJI HAS ATTRACTED LOTS OF INVESTMENTS.

ADUNs/MPs CANNOT PLEAD LACK OF OPPORTUNTIES TO HELP THEIR CONSTITUENTS. 

Lots of investments have come in. Subject to verification, the amount of investment that Hajiji has attracted could be equivalent or larger than the total amount in the last 15 to 20 years. 

Opportunities are there waiting for ADUNs/MPs to help their people.

CAN THE ADUNs/MPs TRANSFORM?

If ADUNs/MPs so desire it, no problem. All of them are well educated with degrees or professionally qualified.

Sabahans’s patience has passed the end point with non-performing politicians. The standard political distribution food baskets, promising future masterplans, hiding behind regionalist rhetoric or promises of more cash aids don’t work anymore. Look at the 2025 election results. 

Each ADUN/MP have a constituency to look after. The economic development or the lack of it is a manifestation of their success or failure of the elected ADUN/MP of that constituency.

Suffice to say that if the ADUNs/MPs can spend as much money, time and effort to selfishly lobby for positions for themselves as working for their constituents, they would have succeeded very well.

Ultimately, the best reflection of their performance is the status of the economic development of their respective constituencies and the economic well-being of their people.

Judging from the result of Sabah’s 2025 election, voters in Sabah are getting very impatient.

For those ADUNs/MPs who have underperformed and failed their people, time to wake up.

ADUNs/MPs: CHANGE OR BE CHANGED.

All the ADUNs/MPs are highly educated or professionally well qualified, keenly aware that Sabah has suffered extreme neglect in the past 60 years. They know also, if they are honest with themselves, that Hajiji is making good progress in turning around the economy. If they really want to help their voters, they can do it. They can change their attitude. Be proactive and innovative to assist their voters. 

This is the ultimate political reality in Sabah today. “Change or be changed” is no longer just a warning; it is an active process that began unfolding in Sabah’s 2025 elections and is accelerating through 2026. This process will gain momentum. It will strengthen in the soon to be held parliamentary election and climax in the next GE in Sabah. 

If the ADUNs/MPs are stubborn, refusing to change to solve the long outstanding economic/political demands of Sabahans, especially young Sabahans, they will be changed.

OVER TO THE ADUNs/MPs. CHANGE OR BE CHANGED.

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]