Sabah UMNO chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin has stepped in to defend party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who came under fire from two senior Sabah leaders over his recent remarks on the “Sabah for Sabahans” sentiment.
This comes after STAR president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and USNO president Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia had accused Zahid of dismissing Sabah’s rightful struggle for autonomy.
Bung described the attacks as baseless and warned that empty slogans would divide the people rather than strengthen Sabah’s position.
“I feel compelled to respond to claims that the Deputy Prime Minister’s remarks are divisive and distort history. These accusations are baseless and dangerous if left unanswered,” he said.
Bung said the fight for Sabah’s rights should not be reduced to political theatrics.
“History has taught us that the late Tun Datu Mustapha Datu Harun did not champion Sabah’s rights by stirring division. He built bridges of trust between Sabah and the Federation,” he said.
Bung claimed Sabah’s voice in the federal government is now gaining more recognition through negotiation and diplomacy.
“This is the approach Sabah UMNO takes—quiet work that delivers real results, not loud slogans that vanish in the wind of politics,” he said.
Bung took aim at Jeffrey, accusing him of making empty promises on MA63 in every election.
“If this struggle is sincere, why are the villages under his leadership still lagging behind? Why do old promises continue to be recycled without real solutions for the people?” Bung questioned.
He warned that “Sabah for Sabahans” risks becoming a wall of division if it is used to reject federal cooperation.
“We don’t want Sabah to fall victim to political slogans while the people continue to wait for clean water, reliable electricity, and sustainable job opportunities,” he said.
Bung said Sabahans today are wiser and no longer fall for political games.
“Sabahans today are wiser. They want development, not division. They want stability, not political tension for personal gain. Sabah UMNO stands with the people—not just when votes are needed, but at all times when they need us,” he said.
Meanwhile, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) reaffirmed its support for local parties to lead the state government.
PBS secretary-general Datuk Julita Majungki said local parties understand Sabah’s needs better than anyone else.
“Local leadership allows policies to address real needs, ensuring all levels of society benefit from development,” she said.
She described Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) as the best platform to champion Sabah’s rights.
PBS also called on voters to choose leaders who are close to the people and capable of delivering.
“GRS remains the best and most proven platform to realise this aspiration,” Julita said. – May 13, 2025
