KOTA KINABALU: The government should prioritise appointing a Sabah native to the position of Sabah Customs Director.
Ak Mohd Yazri Ak Mohd Yahaya, the Beaufort UMNO Youth Chief, emphasised that local candidates possess the necessary qualifications and experience to effectively manage the Sabah State Customs Department.
He said that this marks the second instance in which the role has been filled by someone from outside Sabah.
“This situation suggests a disregard for the principle of ‘Borneonisation,’ which was established during the formation of Malaysia,” he said in a statement today.
Mohd Yazri pointed out that there are numerous qualified Sabah locals within the Sabah Customs Department who could assume these roles in the near future.
He expressed confidence that, if given the chance, more local civil servants from Sabah would be appointed to leadership positions within the state.
“This approach aligns with the concept of ‘Borneonisation,’ which was agreed upon during the formation of Malaysia,” he added.
He further explained that this move would acknowledge the capabilities of senior Sabah Customs officers, particularly those from the local community.
According to him, this also demonstrates that Sabah UMNO is advocating for the rights of Sabah in accordance with the ‘Borneonisation’ principle established during Malaysia’s formation.
“Sabah UMNO Youth insists that priority in filling positions and appointing senior Sabah Customs officers should be given to local candidates,” he added.
Currently, several department heads, including those in the Sabah State Health Department, Immigration Department, and Sabah State Education Department, are led by locals. Mohd Yazri noted.
He called on the government, particularly the Malaysian Ministry of Finance under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, to address this matter and take appropriate action.
