PRN17: Allan Dumbong for Bingkor

Allan…I am not chasing titles or positions. I am content where I am, but I am always ready to serve when needed.

MY personal sharing on the upcoming 17th Sabah Election.

I was recently told that someone had kindly recommended me to Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Jeffrey G. Kitingan, President of STAR, as a possible candidate for DUN Bingkor in the upcoming 17th Sabah Election.

The recommendation was made with strong conviction, saying that this is the right time to bring in young, educated KDM leaders who can strengthen our leadership.

He said I was not only academically accomplished but also carried wide experience in public service and politics.

My time as a Research Officer at the Institute for Development Studies (IDS) and my service in several government agencies, he said, gave me a strong grounding in governance, development policies, and people’s issues.

He went on to say that I had the qualities needed in a leader.

More importantly, he pointed out my ability to speak fluently in Dusun, English, and Malay which allows me to connect with people across communities, especially in KDM areas.

As a life member of KDCA, he believed I can relate well with the grassroots and blend comfortably with people from all walks of life. In his view, I represent the kind of fresh, capable, and credible leadership that STAR needs at this critical time.

He was confident that with me on STAR’s ticket, the party could gain stronger traction in Bingkor and enhance its standing overall.

I was later informed that STAR’s President responded: “Ok, he needs to be seen with activities on the ground if he is serious.”

Hearing this, I felt humbled.

I know politics is never easy – it is full of challenges, competing interests, and even risks.

But I also know what is at stake.

I studied political science, public administration, public policy, international relations, and strategic studies at university.

Later, I pursued postgraduate studies in economics, business management, strategic planning, finance, and international law.

Professionally, I have worked in environmental management, public safety, and policy planning in Malaysia and New Zealand.

My political journey actually began in 1981 when, as a young man, I sent a card to then Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, commenting on his motto “Bersih, Cekap dan Amanah.”

At university, I immersed myself in the politics of UMNO, PAS, DAP, and Parti Sosialis, while studying Malaysia’s legal system, parliamentary democracy, multiracialism, and the political thought that shaped our country.

Even my final year’s thesis was on the Sabah Political Crisis in 1985/86, my attempt to understand the political intricacies when PBS won the State Election in 1985.

At heart, I am a political scientist. I believe in nationhood and nation-building.

I imagine Sabah and Malaysia that is strong, sovereign, and respected – one that feeds its people, provides quality infrastructure, nurtures the full potential of its citizens, coexists peacefully with neighbors, and contributes meaningfully to the international community.

Since graduating from UKM in 1987, I have been closely involved in politics.

My first job was as a political researcher on Sabah politics and federal-state relations.

I helped train newly elected wakil rakyat, ministers, and senior officers.

I traveled with Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan to many districts, meeting community leaders and professionals.

I also profiled politicians and gave assessments to top leaders – some of whom later became ministers themselves.

For many years, I also worked quietly behind the scenes as one of PBS’s political strategists.

At one point, I was even considered as a potential candidate for Bingkor or Keningau, but the opportunity never materialized, and I stepped aside to explore other fields.

I know Keningau well – it is my home.

I was born in Kg. Nuntunan, Apin-Apin, and studied in Apin-Apin, Bingkor, and Ken Hwa before continuing in Kota KInabalu, Papar and Kuala Lumpur.

Later, I came back to serve as Yayasan Sabah’s Regional Manager in Keningau for three years (1989–1992).

Even now, though I am based in New Zealand, I return every year and remain in daily contact with family and friends back home.

Looking at Sabah today, I feel concerned.

Too many parties, too much corruption, and too much money politics.

Party-hopping has damaged the moral credibility of our elected representatives.

In this election, Sabahans will again face tough choices.

Local parties like PBS and STAR – the backbone of KDM and indigenous communities – will again be challenged by Malaya-based parties with big money and federal machinery.

They will promise us MA63’s 40% entitlement, infrastructure, and development.

But we have heard these promises before.

If we do not choose wisely, we may end up going in circles for another five years –  “iri om iri.”

Sabah deserves better. We must chart our own destiny, manage our own resources, and build leadership we can truly trust.

As for me, I can only say “Kotohuadan” (thank you)  to the person who spoke such kind words about me to DSP Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan.

I am not chasing titles or positions. I know the heavy cost of politics.

I am content where I am, but I am always ready to serve when needed.

Above all, I place my trust in God, seeking His guidance in all that I do.

Let us continue to pray for a brighter future for Sabah.

And to those of you who feel called to serve – if you believe you can help fulfill Sabah’s dream, then step forward with courage in this 17th State Election.