KUNAK: Barisan Nasional (BN) Sabah Treasurer, Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak, emphasised today that the future of Sabah’s politics must not be dictated by racial sentiments or endless disputes between local and national parties.
Speaking at the launching of the Radu Tatap Radu programme held at the polling district level of Pangi in Kunak, he stated that the real deciding force in Sabah should not be political parties or labels but the voice and aspirations of the people of Sabah themselves.
“We should not be trapped in debates over which is better – local parties or national parties. What truly matters is not the party label but who genuinely represents and fights for the people. The dominant force must be the people of Sabah,” he said.
He added that political parties are merely platforms, and what is more important is how those platforms are used – sincerely and responsibly – to serve the people.
“I may come from a national party, Barisan Nasional, but I firmly believe that Sabah’s future must be decided by Sabahans themselves. We need leaders who work for all, not those who thrive on narrow sentiment,” he said.
Salleh also urged the people of Sabah, especially in the east coast areas such as Kunak, to reject divisive and racial politics that threaten the unity of the state.
“What the people want are leaders who can solve their problems. People want solutions, not rhetoric,” he added.
The Radu Tatap Radu programme was attended by local residents and grassroots leaders. The strong response reflects the growing desire among Sabahans for a more mature, inclusive, and people-driven political landscape.
Meanwhile, in his speech launching the RTR programme, Datuk Yakub Khan, Director of the Radu Tatap Radu UMNO Sabah Programme, called on the party machinery and members to be united in preparation for the upcoming state election.
“Kunak has seen developmental changes both in town and in the villages during the time of the Sabah BN-led government,” said Khan, who is also the State Assemblyman for Karambunai, Sabah.
He added, “This is an opportunity to return Barisan Nasional as the people’s representative in Kunak.”
Also in attendance are Datuk Raime Unggi, the nominated assemblyman cum head of UMNO Tenom, and other heads of UMNO Divisions, namely from Lahad Datu, Kota Kinabalu, Kalabakan, and Tawau.
