KOTA KINABALU: Slogans advocating for local parties only to contest in Sabah are wrong, says Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.
In criticising the move by certain Sabah-based parties, the Perikatan Nasional deputy chairman said these same parties collaborate with national coalitions such as Pakatan Harapan in the state government.
Speaking at Perikatan’s Jelajah Rakyat event in Dewan Gum Gum, Sandakan, Hamzah countered the sentiment that only local parties should contest in Sabah.
“It is contradictory for these parties to promote exclusivity while forming alliances with national coalitions. This cooperation undercuts the argument that national parties should not be involved in Sabah’s political landscape,” he said.
Hamzah’s remarks come as Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), which consists of seven local parties, is currently working with Pakatan – a coalition made up of four national parties, namely PKR, DAP, Amanah and Upko – in the Sabah government.
Hamzah said governance should focus on addressing issues affecting the people rather than the geographical origin of political parties. He also said Perikatan aims to offer solutions for Sabah’s development irrespective of whether the parties involved are local or national.
“We believe that whatever we do, whatever struggle we take on, it is meant for the people. It does not matter whether they come from the peninsula or Sabah,” said Hamzah, who is also Bersatu deputy president.
Perikatan vice-president and Sabah Bersatu chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee said the focus should be on solving Sabah’s pressing issues such as water supply disruptions, frequent power blackouts and deteriorating road conditions.
He said despite repeated promises, these fundamental problems remain unresolved, highlighting the failure of those in power to bring meaningful change.
Kiandee also criticised Sabah parties that campaign on promises to defend the state’s rights but fail to act once they are elected.
Issues such as the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and the state’s revenue rights, he said, are often politicised during elections but abandoned when it is time for action.
He stressed that governance should be about solutions, not empty slogans, and accused some parties of merely using Sabah’s rights as a political tool for their benefit.
Despite being in the opposition, he believes Perikatan’s Jelajah Rakyat tour has gained traction among Sabahans, signalling a growing desire for change.
“We will continue moving across different areas and let the people evaluate.
“Our goal is to present a credible alternative to Sabahans, focusing on policies that directly address the state’s long-standing issues,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bernama reported that Gerakan has identified three constituencies to contest in the state election. The party’s central information bureau said the decision is subject to approval by Perikatan.
“Gerakan divisions in Peninsular Malaysia are required to support the state chapter in the election campaign.
“The party is prepared for the Sabah polls,” it said in a statement issued after the party’s central committee meeting yesterday.
