FridayOL

KOTA KINABALU: A Sabah MCA leader is calling on national political figures to cease treating Sabah as a mere pawn in their power games, warning that such actions could backfire and jeopardize the prospects of both Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the upcoming elections. The plea comes amidst growing concerns that Sabah, with its unique demographics and political landscape, is being overlooked in favor of national-level strategies.

Speaking to reporters, the MCA leader emphasized that Sabah is not a 'chessboard' to be manipulated for political gain. He argued that the state’s voters are increasingly discerning and will react negatively to any perceived disregard for their interests and concerns. “Sabahans are not easily swayed by national narratives. They care about local issues – infrastructure, economy, education, and the preservation of their cultural heritage,” he stated.

The concern stems from observations that national-level campaigns often fail to adequately address Sabah’s specific needs and priorities. Promises made are often vague or unrealistic, and the state’s distinct challenges are frequently downplayed. This has led to a sense of frustration and alienation among many Sabahans, who feel that their voices are not being heard.

“We’ve seen it before – national leaders come in, make grand promises, and then disappear once the election is over. Sabah is left to deal with the same problems, or even new ones created by poorly planned policies,” the leader explained. He urged federal leaders to engage in genuine consultation with Sabah stakeholders – local leaders, community groups, and business representatives – to understand the state’s needs and develop tailored solutions.

The upcoming elections are seen as a crucial test for both BN and PH. Sabah holds a significant number of parliamentary and state seats, and winning the state is vital for either coalition to form a government. However, the MCA leader cautioned that a victory achieved through manipulative tactics or by ignoring Sabah’s concerns would be short-lived.

“Sabahans deserve respect and consideration. They want to be partners in the nation’s progress, not pawns in a political game. Federal leaders must recognize this and adjust their strategies accordingly. Engage with Sabah, listen to Sabah, and work *with* Sabah, not *on* Sabah,” he concluded. The call for a more respectful and collaborative approach to Sabah’s politics is likely to resonate with many Sabahans who are eager to see their state’s voice finally heard at the national level.

The leader’s remarks underscore the growing importance of Sabah in national politics and the need for a more nuanced and sensitive approach to engaging with the state. Failure to heed this warning could have serious consequences for both BN and PH in the upcoming polls and beyond.