KOTA KINABALU: The “Sabah for Sabahan” political sentiment does not address the issues faced in this state, says Bersatu.
Bersatu chief for Sabah, Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee, stated that this sentiment had been advocated for many years, and what is needed are leaders who can bring change to the state.
“We are not talking about party or political brands. We are talking about leaders who can bring change to the people of Sabah,” he said during a press conference after the Bersatu convention here on Sunday (July 14).
Kiandee mentioned that Sabah was a more “open” state without major anti-peninsula sentiments and believed that Sabahans were mature enough to make wise choices regarding governance and leadership.
“The party to bring forward is the one that can solve problems and issues,” said Kiandee. He added that many Sabah-based parties, including Usno, Berjaya, Parti Bersatu Sabah, and Warisan, had led the state over the years.
Bersatu Deputy President Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu echoed this sentiment, stating that Sabah deserved better and that only leaders capable of raising state issues at the federal level and resolving them should helm the government.
“If I am not mistaken, Warisan started the ‘Sabah for Sabahans’ call but they have now spread their wings to other states outside Sabah. So can they still carry this sentiment?” he asked.
Earlier, Kiandee announced that Bersatu in Sabah was in the process of reviving its divisions and memberships, with a total of 600 divisions from 22 branches expected to be part of the coming state polls.