By Datuk Henrynus Amin
President
Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri
KOTA KINABALU : – The current political landscape in Sabah is dynamic, complex, fluid and often mired in controversy where political alliances and rivalries tend to shift overnight or within days or weeks.
In fact, Sabah’s political history is marked not only by frequent changes in government but also by shifting political allegiances among elected leaders.
We have seen at one time how the leaders of small political parties with one or two parliamentary seats groveled to the Federal capital to see the Prime Minister to pledge their loyalty or political allegiance
It is ironic that these same Sabah political leaders who benefitted from Federal patronage for so long are now singing a different tune, espousing anti Malaya or anti federal slogans.
They readily joined the national coalition such as PH, PN or BN at the Federal level in the past, enjoying federal positions, perks and privileges, but now they are anti Malaya and claiming to be politically chaste.
The recent surge of conflicting statements by GRS, PH and BN leaders regarding the 17th Sabah State Election has only deepened the sense of confusion, frustration and helplessness among Sabahans.
The political quagmire in state politics can no longer be ignored or downplayed.
While GRS, PH, BN and Warisan are partners in the Federal Government, they are openly opposing and criticizing each other at the state level.
Their antics give mixed signals leading to confusion, more tension and a breakdown in political coherence which undermines governance and erodes public trust of party politics.
Thus the apparent political anomaly involving state and federal actors calls for a total change or revamp of the governing political party in Sabah.
The best way forward is to allow the people of Sabah to decide the next state Government through a peaceful and friendly electoral contest in the coming 17th Sabah State Election.
Let every party or political leader present their vision, their values, and their commitment to Sabah’s future and let the rakyat exercise their right to choose.
We urge all party leaders to act with statesmanship and not fear the democratic process.
A clean and fair state election should reaffirm the people’s power and right to determine their own destiny.
It is the only way to restore legitimacy, unity, and clear direction for our beloved Sabah.
Let us rise above personal interests and partisan skirmishes.
Let us return the mandate to the people.
