Latest news with #Sabahans'
Borneo Post
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Could MA63 cause a defeat of Malayan parties?
The Peninsular-based national parties risk losing substantial number of votes – and some seats? – in the forthcoming 17th state general election (PRN17) given their current continued neglect of the Sabahans' demand for fulfilment of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). The issue has spiked in its sensitivity, having been a thorn in the flesh of voters in Sabah for a full four decades! Since 1985, PBS had consistently included MA63 and Sabah rights in its election manifestos, speeches and party congresses. In 1990, PBS demanded a '50–50 redistribution' of revenue from Sabah's resources, setting the stage for a continued MA63 advocacy. And since years ago until this very day Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan has been the no-nonsense advocate of the issue. To anticipate significant losses for national or Malayan parties come PRN17 is a mild prediction compared to the dire warning by Professor James Chin in a May 15 interview with Khoo Hsu Chuong during which he, without mincing words, said, 'Give the East Malaysians what they want or risk losing the elections!' Who can argue that the MA63, having a dosage potency greater than the combined potency of all the other issues, is expected to be a powerful and highly contentious issue in the upcoming Sabah state election, potentially becoming a major challenge, or even a Waterloo, for Malayan-based political parties contesting in Sabah. It no longer requires reexplaining that MA63 pertains to Sabah's rights and autonomy as agreed upon during the formation of Malaysia in 1963, with its key demand being the fulfilment of Sabah's entitlement to 40% of revenues collected by the federal government from the state, which Sabah leaders claim has been unpaid since 1974. This point of contention invokes, as its consequences, the images of bad roads, dilapidated schools and pathetic standard of basic amenities in 'the poorest state in Malaysia'. Sabah voters, especially the youth and rural communities, are highly sensitive to the MA63 issue which is now a key factor influencing voter sentiment and political alignments in the state. The mere mention of this deeply ingrained terminology of 'MA63' never fails to infuriate the common voter who sees it as a betrayal, the example of a blatant lie and ultimately a moral insult to Sabahans. This perception is no exaggeration knowing leaders like Dr Jeffrey, Deputy Chief Miniter 1, describes Sabah as 'colonised'! Tied to the matter is the issue of Borneonization written in the 20 Points. Sabah-based parties emphasize the need for Sabah to be managed by Sabahans, reflecting a 'Sabah for Sabahans' sentiment. There is strong local opposition to Malayan parties governing Sabah, as history has shown that non-Sabah parties have not always acted in the state's best interests. This local-first sentiment is non-negotiable for many voters. The entry and involvement of Malayan political parties in Sabah's political landscape are viewed as undermining the autonomy guaranteed by MA63. This is seen as hegemonic encroachment that threatens Sabah's unique cultural, economic and political identity and fuels distrust among Sabahans towards Malayan parties. The ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition, which includes local parties, has been criticized for not pushing hard enough for MA63 rights, choosing instead to work alongside the federal government. This pragmatic approach contrasts with more pro-Sabah parties like STAR, which strongly advocates for MA63 and 'Sabah for Sabahans'. The situation puts Malayan parties such as Umno and the Pakatan Harapan coalition into a formidable corner, facing a challenge to resolve factional conflicts and local resistance. Umno's internal factionalism, with three internal leadership blocks, renders it weakened, lacking of a strong local ideological foundation. Sabah Umno leader, Datuk Seri Bung Mokhtar Radin, has resorted to branding GRS as actually a Malayan-founded coalition, and unable to present a coherent and solid vision for Sabah under Umno/BN. And ironically, Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim had tried to reign in support from Sabahans by reprimanding the Sabah leaders for 'shouting and cursing' in their demands for Sabah rights – hardly an effective strategy of love and care. Pakatan Harapan's current approach to secure local support for the federal (Madani) government has veered off the rail and doesn't fully resonate with local sentiments. The PM still believes Sabahans can be cowed into submission and subservience with a sharp whip, which by itself is definitive of the Malayan political attitude towards the peoples of the Borneo states. Given the strong local-first sentiment, the centrality of MA63 in voter concerns, and the perception that Malayan parties undermine Sabah's autonomy, MA63 is likely to be a critical and potentially divisive issue in the next Sabah state election. It could indeed be a bane, possibly destructive, for Malayan parties if they continue to be seen as neglectful in convincingly addressing Sabahans' demands for autonomy and economic rights under MA63. As such, local parties advocating for Sabah's rights and autonomy are expected to have a much higher advantage in mobilizing voter support. Could then Malayan parties, post-PRN17, be going back home to Kuala Lumpur limping in defeat? And could Professor James Chin be in another interview with a gloating smile saying, 'I told you so!'?
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
More calls from Sabah to postpone expanded SST
Ummi and Kenny. KOTA KINABALU (June 18): More leaders in Sabah are calling on the Federal Government to postpone implementing the expanded Sales and Services Tax (SST) in Sabah beginning July 1. Sabah Umno Puteri chief Ummi Nabilah Jamal said the delay is necessary due to the lack of an inclusive impact study and the disproportionate burden it would place on low-income Sabahans. Ummi Nabilah warned that enforcing the policy without proper planning and a targeted approach could deepen economic struggles in one of Malaysia's most disadvantaged states. 'This policy, while not wrong in principle, will become another major strain on the people of Sabah if carried out hastily. Sabahans are already living in a reality very different from that in Peninsular Malaysia,' she said. Citing data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia, she noted that the average monthly income in Sabah is RM1,870—well below the national average of RM2,800. 'With such low purchasing power, how are people expected to bear the additional costs brought by the SST? We are not just talking about numbers. We are talking about mothers struggling to buy milk for their children and families barely able to pay rent.' She also raised concerns about widespread confusion on the ground, especially among small business owners and suppliers who remain unclear about which products fall under the 5% or 10% SST rates and which are exempt. 'This confusion can lead to unscrupulous practices by some traders who might simply impose the highest rate on all goods. And who pays the price in the end? The rakyat,' she said. Ummi Nabilah questioned whether taxing Sabah's poor had become the Federal Government's fiscal strategy. 'Is there no more equitable and sustainable way to close the fiscal gap without burdening one of the most economically challenged states?' While reaffirming Sabahans' commitment to national development, she stressed that tax policies must be rooted in regional fairness. 'We need inclusive and progressive policies — not regressive steps that target those easiest to tax simply because they have the least ability to resist,' she said. She urged the Federal Government to delay SST enforcement in Sabah until an independent, inclusive impact study is conducted, with input from industry players, academia and civil society. 'We cannot implement national policies in a one-size-fits-all manner. Sabah's economic structure is different, and this must be acknowledged.' In addition, she called on the Sabah State Government to introduce mitigating measures such as temporary incentives for small entrepreneurs, restructuring of basic goods subsidies, and expanded targeted aid for low-income families. 'This is not just a policy issue — it's about food on the table, access to healthcare, and the future of our children. The Federal and State Governments must listen to the real voices of Sabahans — not just statistics at negotiation tables, but the cries of the people at markets, on farms, and in kampungs,' she said. Parti Solidariti Tanahairku (Star) deputy president Datuk Kenny Chua also called on the federal government to reconsider its plan to expand SST, expressing concern about its potential impact on the cost of living in Sabah. Chua said the proposed move could add financial pressure on Sabahans, many of whom are already facing economic challenges. He also urged the government to provide more clarity on how the additional revenue would be used. 'The federal government should explain the reasons behind this decision, and more importantly, how the funds collected from the expanded SST will be utilised to support the people,' he said in a statement on Tuesday. The Finance Ministry, in a statement on June 9, said the SST expansion aims to strengthen the country's fiscal position by broadening the tax base and increasing revenue. The ministry also noted that the measure is intended to enhance the social safety net without placing excessive burden on the public. Chua, however, said further explanation is needed to ensure that the policy does not disproportionately affect lower-income communities, especially in Sabah, which continues to face development and economic gaps compared to other states. He also pointed out that with Sabah expected to hold state elections later this year, the timing of the announcement may raise concerns among the public. 'To ensure the policy is well-received and understood, the government should consider engaging with the state government and other stakeholders before moving forward,' he added. Chua proposed that the federal government temporarily defer the SST expansion and open up discussions with relevant parties to address concerns on the ground. The reviewed and expanded SST rates, as announced in Budget 2025, will come into effect on July 1, 2025.
Daily Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Pantai Manis Gagasan Rakyat backs solo run for GRS in state polls
Published on: Sunday, June 15, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 15, 2025 By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: Abdul Rahim and other leaders at the party's divisional meeting. PAPAR: Nearly 1,000 delegates of Pantai Manis Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) unanimously backed a motion urging Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) to contest solo in the upcoming 17th State Election. Divisional chief Datuk Seri Abdul Rahim Ismail said the motion came from grassroots sentiment demanding full political autonomy and an end to collaborations with other parties, especially Barisan Nasional (BN) and Umno. Advertisement He added that the division also approved a second motion endorsing the long-standing 'Sabah for Sabahans' agenda, citing decades of federal marginalisation and exploitation of state resources. While acknowledging GRS Chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor's continued cooperation with Pakatan Harapan (PH), Abdul Rahim said the grassroots remained firm in wanting GRS to go it alone in the next state polls. He also stressed the importance of youth development within the party, calling young members the 'reserve team' and urging all divisions to prepare for the election, which could be called at any time. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
‘Sabah for Sabahans': State polls will test strength of local-first sentiment, say analysts
Sabah-based parties, including GRS and Warisan, are stepping up their push for greater autonomy, emphasising their grassroots focus ahead of the state's increasingly competitive election. — Bernama photo KOTA KINABALU (June 13): As Sabah heads into its 17th state election (PRN17), political tensions are mounting, with signs pointing toward a contest that may pit state-based parties against the country's major national coalitions. The rallying cry 'Sabah for Sabahans' is gaining renewed momentum as Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) — the ruling state coalition — weighs its next move amid shifting alliances and growing questions about federal influence in state affairs. Sabahan-first politics In recent years, Sabah-based parties — including GRS components Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), as well as opposition party Warisan — have increasingly positioned themselves as defenders of state rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). GRS's key component party Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah is largely made up of Umno-turned-Bersatu leaders who left their former party for a more local platform. They argue that only homegrown parties truly understand the state's needs and aspirations — and are best placed to stand firm against federal dominance. Universiti Teknologi Mara's Tony Paridi Bagang said a contest between state-based and national parties would offer a clear campaign narrative — state rights versus federal funding and stability. 'GRS going solo will be interesting; it's a test of GRS as a government, and as a fully local alliance, and at the same time will see how local parties in national coalitions, like PBRS and Upko, what their influence will be like now,' he said. 'It's still a good way to see whether the growing local sentiments can translate into votes. 'Just contesting on their own is the start of a change in narrative for Sabah politics and if they win, it will be even more meaningful — they will gain a lot more leverage and have better bargaining power,' he added. Political analyst Bridget Welsh agreed that this local-first approach has merit, as the political current appears to favour a 'Sabah bloc' — though much will still depend on how alliances are configured. 'Anti-federal (especially anti-Umno) sentiments are currently strong,' she said. Coalition talks in limbo The local-first sentiment has also been further fuelled by Sarawak's recent success in securing greater control over its oil and gas resources. Many Sabahans have been asking: 'If Sarawak can do it, why not us?' Despite strong calls from within GRS's component parties to contest the election independently, Chief Minister and GRS chairman Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor initially indicated keenness to continuing cooperation with current state government partner Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH). However, his position was shaken when Sabah PH announced an election partnership with Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) — its former allies turned opposition. The two national coalitions described the move as a rational step to ensure political stability and preserve good relations between state and federal governments. In response, Hajiji swiftly issued a statement saying GRS was ready to contest the election on its own if Sabah PH proceeded with the alliance. Prime Minister and PH chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim later responded by saying that GRS would be included in the election coalition. Since then, Hajiji has maintained that GRS remains open to discussions — but has stressed that a Sabah-based party must lead the state government. No formal talks have taken place between the two sides. One of the biggest obstacles in the way of this three-way alliance is Sabah BN chairman Datuk Bung Moktar Radin, who has dismissed any possibility of working with GRS until after the election, citing past 'betrayals' and broken promises from the previous state election. Autonomy push may meet resistance Bagang said there could be risks if GRS chooses to go it alone, as the coalition may come under increased pressure. He noted that if GRS were to contest on its own, it might face heightened political pressure — including 'money politics' as well as the influence of 'media and political machinery'. He added that the recent whistleblowing scandal involving mining licences is likely to resurface and affect GRS and its leadership. The Madani factor Contrary to the view that GRS may go it alone, Universiti Malaysia Sabah senior lecturer Lee Kuok Tiung said that GRS is more likely to work with PH and BN — despite its strained relationship with the latter. 'I believe GRS will want to maintain its current set-up with PH. The only problem is that they don't get along with BN but they will find a way or just head into a collision course in certain seats,' he said. 'GRS will have a lot to gain by contesting independently but the prime minister has something else in mind. 'He also has to maintain good relations with Zahid and both will still need a local partner at the end of the day and want to work with GRS,' he added. Bagang agreed that while many Sabahans were keen to see if the local-first sentiment was more than just a slogan, he said it would be 'safer' if the current dynamic is maintained. 'We need to consider the federal factor because our political dynamic is not like Sarawak, whose local coalition is strongly established,' he said. 'I think, with the undercurrent issues, sentiments, GRS may still stick with PH-BN but we'll see some overlapping in their seats,' he added. With the growing fragmentation among parties potentially leading to multi-cornered fights in many seats, split votes may give unexpected advantages to some blocs. Analysts predict that this could result in a hung assembly — or even a repeat of the chaotic post-election realignments that followed the 2020 polls. If the election becomes a contest between local versus national parties, the outcome could reshape Sabah's political landscape and redefine its federal-state relations. With the stakes so high, all eyes are now on the alliances, manifestos, and the voters' sentiments. — Malay Mail GRS hajiji noor lead Sabah for Sabahans
The Star
08-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Sabah parties gear up for polls
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's political parties are gearing up for the 17th state election amid a flurry of possible electoral pacts, but firm deals have yet to materialise. Major players, including the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and its former ally-turned-rival Barisan Nasional, are preparing to go it alone if ongoing negotiations with potential partners fail. Observers say GRS, led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, and Sabah Barisan, led by Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, are ready to go it alone if they fail to strike a deal with other political blocs. Parti Warisan, under Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, is staying out of any alliance talks, positioning itself as the alternative to both coalitions with its multiracial party platform. The coming election is expected to be shaped by a growing 'Sabah for Sabahans' sentiment, with voters increasingly drawn to local-based parties championing state rights and autonomy. This political mood has fuelled support for both Warisan and GRS in recent years while putting pressure on national coalitions to localise their campaign narrative. Hajiji, who is seen as preferring to continue cooperation with Sabah Pakatan Harapan (Pakatan), stated yesterday that GRS was ready to face the election, with its machinery fully trained across all constituencies. However, any pact will still require the endorsement of GRS' eight-party coalition. He added that no seat talks had taken place and that any cooperation must go through the GRS Supreme Council. CLICK TO ENLARGE So far, Sabah STAR, led by Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan; SAPP under former chief minister Datuk Yong Teck Lee; and Usno, led by former Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, have been adamant that GRS should contest all 73 seats on its own. These parties have pushed back against external collaborations for various reasons – Sabah STAR wants internal seat distribution settled first, SAPP rejects the involvement of national parties, and Usno has demanded greater respect and fair seat allocation, warning it may walk away from the coalition if sidelined. Given that at least eight assemblymen, including four ministers from Hajiji's Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS), are embroiled in a bribery scandal involving mining licence approvals, the ruling coalition must carefully navigate any potential pact with Pakatan to reach a mutually agreeable seat-sharing formula. Any potential deal between GRS and Pakatan is expected to hinge on the local bloc being allowed to contest at least 53 to 55 of the 73 seats at stake. GRS, Sabah Pakatan and Sabah Barisan have not publicly disclosed the seats they are targeting. Some observers believe that even if an agreement is reached, some seats could still be left open to free-for-all contests. Meanwhile, Sabah Pakatan is also exploring a separate seat-sharing formula with Sabah Barisan to remain aligned with the federal-level unity government. At the national level, leaders from both coalitions have expressed support for working together in Sabah. Pakatan chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, speaking at the PKR congress in Johor Baru on May 24, said, 'I have discussed the matter with Barisan Nasional and Umno chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. 'We will work together on the condition that Pakatan Harapan is recognised as a partner to fight for the people of Sabah.' Anwar has appointed Sabah Pakatan chairman cum Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick to lead coordination efforts for the state election. By placing a Sabahan face at the forefront, Pakatan appears to be repackaging itself to appeal to local sentiments, positioning the coalition as part of Sabah rather than just a federal extension. However, political observers observe that while national leaders are advocating for unity, Sabah leaders seem to be following a different path. GRS comprises eight local parties: PGRS (Gagasan Rakyat), Sabah STAR, SAPP, Usno, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS), Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), and Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (PHRS). Barisan comprises peninsula-based parties such as Umno, MCA and MIC, along with its Sabah component, Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS). Pakatan consists of PKR, DAP, Amanah and Upko. The 17th Sabah state election must be held following the dissolution of the state assembly, which is due by 11 Nov, 2025. Speculation is rife that Hajiji may dissolve the assembly as early as the third week of July, after the official celebration of the Yang di-Pertua Negri's birthday on June 21.
