Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) and United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) have called for political negotiations in Sabah to be rooted in the will of the people, warning that any future alliance must prioritise stability and development amid renewed friction over the ‘Sabah for Sabahans’ slogan.

PBRS president Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup and Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick stressed that Sabah’s political future must be shaped by local aspirations without jeopardising unity or harmony.

“Any future political alliance must be built on the aspirations of Sabahans, not at the expense of our unity and stability,” said Ewon.

They described their parties as “Sabah’s bridge to Putrajaya”, playing a consistent role in championing Sabah’s rights at the federal level.

“We are proud to serve as Sabah’s bridge to Putrajaya, ensuring our state’s voice is heard at the highest levels of government,” they said.

The two leaders urged all political parties to avoid escalating tensions, calling instead for dialogue and cooperation between state and federal leaders.

“Real progress comes through wise consultation, not through unnecessary confrontation. Sabah’s future lies in constructive engagement with Putrajaya,” Arthur said.

Highlighting their coalition’s achievements, they pointed to the successful resolution of nine Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) demands under the current Madani administration, with four more having been settled by the previous government.

“Nine MA63 demands have been delivered under the Madani government, proving that engagement works. We will continue pushing for the rest,” Ewon added.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring Sabah’s development needs are reflected in the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026-2030), through ongoing collaboration with other Sabah-based parties.

“Local aspirations must guide any grand political coalition in Sabah, especially as we prepare for the coming state election,” Arthur said.

Addressing the ongoing controversy sparked by Deputy Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s dismissal of the ‘Sabah for Sabahans’ slogan, the leaders downplayed the rhetoric, calling for focus on long-term state-building.

“Political slogans aside, what truly matters is unity and cooperation to build a better Sabah and Malaysia together,” they said.

Zahid’s remarks have drawn sharp rebukes from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and USNO president Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, fuelling an ongoing political row over Sabah’s autonomy narrative. – May 13, 2025