The recent appointment of Datuk James Wong Kein Peng as Group General Manager (GGM) of the Sabah Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO) has drawn a response from transport industry leader Daniel Doughty, who criticised political objections to the move as misplaced and racially charged.

Doughty, Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (Sabah Chapter), said in a statement today that critics — particularly from Sabah Umno — are undermining a progressive step forward by focusing on ethnicity instead of professional merit.

“While they insist that it is ‘not about race,’ their argument is framed entirely around ethnic representation, thus contradicting the very claim they make.”  

“This kind of rhetoric distracts from the real issue: capability and commitment to serve Sabah,” he said in a statement in Kota Kinabalu on Sunday. 

Wong is the first non-Bumiputera to be appointed to the top post in SEDCO, a government-linked company (GLC) established in 1971 to uplift Bumiputera participation in the economy. 

The appointment has become a flashpoint for political debate, with Sabah Umno questioning whether it aligns with SEDCO’s original mission.

Sabah Umno information chief Datuk Suhaimi Nasir argued that the appointment may run counter to SEDCO’s founding intent, although it remains unclear whether the GGM position has ever been officially designated as Bumiputera-only.

Doughty, however, said such critiques risk politicising professional appointments in a way that does not reflect the values of most Sabahans.

“In Sabah, we celebrate diversity and unity. We must rise above divisive narratives and focus instead on working together for the common good,” he said.

He urged the state government to continue inviting qualified professionals to serve, regardless of race or background.

“I am sure Sabahans fully welcome this appointment by the state government. We must be bold in embracing meritocracy and professionalism. Sabah needs capable individuals who are ready to serve with integrity — not those chosen solely based on race or political alignment,” Doughty added.

He concluded that the appointment of Wong not only marks a step in the right direction but also signals Sabah’s readiness to prioritise competence and service over politics. – April 13, 2025