KOTA KINABALU, Oct 19 — Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Panglima Bung Moktar Radin has urged the people of Sabah not to be deceived by political slogans such as “Sabah for Sabahan” or “local party”, which he said have been repeatedly used as bait by local-based political parties.

In a strongly worded statement today, Bung Moktar questioned the sincerity of parties that claim to champion Sabah’s rights yet remain divided among themselves.

“If they are truly fighting for Sabah’s rights, why do so many local parties exist, but not one of them can unite?” he asked.

He said the reality is simple, many of these parties are more interested in power than in service.

“To date, there are at least 10 local Sabah parties officially registered with the Registrar of Societies (ROS), yet they continue to compete for seats and influence. This is not a struggle for the people, it is a power struggle,” he said.

The Kinabatangan MP said the current Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government, which often promotes itself as a coalition of local parties, has failed to defend the interests of the people.

“We have seen how the so-called ‘local party government’ has failed the people and is now mired in scandals that tarnish the integrity of the state administration,” Bung Moktar said.

He added that slogans like “Sabah for Sabahan” and “local party” have ultimately become mere shields to conceal weaknesses and greed for power.

“Umno and Barisan Nasional Sabah are firm in our stand, we do not need ten parties to fight for Sabah.

What we need is one clear direction, grounded in honesty, stability, and the interests of the people,” he said.

Bung Moktar called on Sabahans to reject political gimmicks and demand real leadership instead.

“Enough of Sabah being a victim of political slogans. What the people want is not empty rhetoric, but leadership that is clean, courageous, and committed to serving,” he said. — The Borneo Post

 Malay Mail – Malaysia