KOTA KINABALU: The people of Sabah must embraces autonomy and progress by prioritising local political parties.
Justice of Peace and former lawmaker for Petagas Datuk James Ligunjang said to achieve greater autonomy, Sabahans must distance themselves from Malayan political parties striving for governance in the state.
“A key step involves prioritising their own interests and giving support to local political parties that champion the unique needs and aspirations of the people in Sabah, ” the former assemblyman said in a statement today.
He pointed out that such a shift is vital in upholding the commitments outlined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
The involvement of Malayan political parties in Sabah’s political affairs represents a significant breach of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Moreover, dominant Malayan political parties on the national stage may not fully comprehend and address the specific challenges and issues faced by Sabah.
While these parties may have good intentions, their primary focus tends to centre on national-level politics, potentially disregarding the spirit of the MA63 and the distinct concerns of Sabahans.
“Severing ties with the influence of these parties can enable Sabahans to establish political platforms that are custom-tailored to their needs and aspirations while aligning with the Malaysia Agreement 1963, ” he added.
Presently, political decisions and policies affecting Sabah are often made within the framework of national politics, with insufficient consideration for local dynamics and intricacies.
“By forming and supporting local political parties, Sabahans can take charge of their own governance and ensure that decisions are made with Sabah’s best interests in mind, ” Ligunjang said.
According to him, this would facilitate the development of policies and strategies that more closely align with the unique needs of the state.
Detaching from Malayan political parties has the potential to foster a sense of ownership and pride among Sabahans.
“By having dedicated local political parties committed to development and progress, Sabahans can develop a stronger connection to their political landscape, ” he said.
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This empowerment enables the people to actively engage in political processes, voice their concerns, and work towards achieving the autonomy and progress they seek.
Achieving autonomy is imperative for Sabahans as they endeavor to realise progress as envisaged in the MA63. – Talantang
