LAHAD DATU : – Former Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak, emphasised that the struggle for Sabah’s rights is not the exclusive domain of any local party, but a shared responsibility of all Sabahans who want to see the state’s future safeguarded.
He made this statement while officiating the Clustered Branch Meetings of UMNO Lahad Datu Division on Friday.
Also present were Lahad Datu UMNO Division Chief, Datuk Sharif Musa, along with members of the divisional leadership.
“There is often the assumption that only local parties are entitled to speak on Sabah’s rights. In truth, this struggle belongs to all Sabahans — it is not the exclusive right of any single party,” said Salleh who is also the Sabah UMNO Treasurer.
He explained that whether it is a local or national party, both are merely platforms. What matters is the sincerity and capability of leaders to bring Sabah’s voice to a higher level.
“There are parties like WARISAN, PBS, STAR,USNO,SAPP and PGRS that focus on state issues. But let us not forget, parties such as UPKO and PBRS are also local parties that chose to work within national coalitions to ensure Sabah’s voice is better heard at the federal level,” he added.
Salleh further stressed that issues such as the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), state revenue, and autonomy are no longer peripheral discussions.
They have been elevated to the federal level — embedded in the Constitution, discussed in Cabinet, and made part of the Unity Government’s joint agenda.
He also referred to Indonesia’s experience, where national parties such as PDIP and Golkar successfully championed special autonomy for regions like Aceh and Papua through national platforms.
“What the people of Sabah want today is not about who is more ‘Sabahan’ or more ‘local’. What truly matters is who is sincere, stable, and capable of fulfilling their promises,” he said.
In his speech, Salleh also called on UMNO members to continue working hard to strengthen the party at the grassroots level, especially in facing current political challenges and in regaining public trust in UMNO’s struggle.
