KOTA KINABALU: Sabah deputy chief minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan’s reaction to Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamid’s criticism over the ‘Sabah for Sabahans’ sentiment is common among Sabah leaders, who often blame federal leaders for their own shortcomings, especially during election times.
According to FMT reports, ex-minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim pointed out that Sabah’s poverty and lack of development are largely due to its elected leaders who focus on their own interests (kepentingan diri sendiri) instead of the people’s needs.
He questioned who has been managing Yayasan Sabah and who the chief ministers have been over the years, implying they are not from the peninsula.
Kitingan criticised Zahid for calling the ‘Sabah for Sabahans’ sentiment divisive, asserting that Sabahans do not need federal leaders’ approval to claim their rights.
He emphasised that Sabah should be seen as an equal partner in Malaysia, not a subordinate state, and hinted that Sabah’s future in the federation could depend on the will of its people.
Zahid, on the other hand, argued that the ‘Sabah for Sabahans’ sentiment is counterproductive and that strong ties with the federal government are essential for the state’s growth.
In a post on X, Zaid supported Zahid’s view, stating that leaders should consider national unity and that fear of Sabah leaving the federation is unfounded, as it would not benefit anyone.
Zaid concluded that the country cannot progress without moving past its fixation on race, religion, and regionalism.
Source – FMT
