Sabah leaders unite in rare dialogue, urging voters to support local parties to restore state rights and strengthen MA63 demands.
PETALING JAYA: Sabah leaders have issued a resounding call for voters to back Sabah-based parties in the state election, stressing that only local representation can strengthen the state’s political voice and reclaim rights long delayed under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
The message, delivered during a rare multi-party dialogue moderated by Datuk Philip Golingai, brought together several of Sabah’s most prominent political figures, signalling a moment of unity amid an otherwise intense campaign season.
Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) president Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan emphasised that the Sabah poll is “the mother of all elections” for Sabahans.
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“We must choose whether we want to continue losing our political power, or whether we want to take back that power so we can manage our own state and have a stronger voice like Sarawak,” he said.
“We have been in Malaysia for 62 years, yet we are still discussing MA63.”
Jeffrey said Sabahans must seize this moment to elect local parties capable of negotiating firmly with Putrajaya, adding that the state cannot afford another cycle of diluted representation.
Acting Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, who is also the caretaker Sabah deputy chief minister II, echoed the call for unity and continuity, adding that only a stable Sabah-based coalition has the track record to deliver.
“Our target is still to form the government, a government that is actually doing a great job for Sabah. Choose a government that already has a formula. GRS (Gabungan Rakyat Sabah) has been doing that. That is why PBS follows GRS – because our formula already exists,” he said.
Joachim added that although some allies such as United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) and STAR have chosen separate paths ahead of the election, their past collaboration delivered results for Sabah.
“When elections come, it’s fine if we go our separate ways. But when choosing a government, it must be one that can truly manage Sabah and uplift the people’s wellbeing,” he said, reminding voters that leaders can only guide. Ultimately, the decision lies in the hands of the rakyat.
Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick, who recently resigned from the federal Cabinet on principle over Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement, highlighted the significance of Sabah parties sharing a table despite being election rivals.
“With pride and humility, I am excited to sit with Sabah’s leaders today. We can still sit together even while campaigning, and this is a blessing. Our competition should not drown out the goals of ‘Sabah First’, ‘Sabah for Sabahan’ and ‘Justice for Sabah’.
If the people of Sabah feel Upko is the better party to lead, vote for Upko. If they believe PBS can lead better, vote for PBS. If STAR is the right choice in a particular area, support STAR.”
Meanwhile, former chief justice of Malaysia Tun Richard Malanjun described the gathering as “historic”.
He expressed hope that Sabah leaders would use their influence to secure the future of younger generations.
“Events like this are historic in my view. I hope they can voice out on our behalf. We have to safeguard this legacy for the younger generation,” he said.
