By Remy Majangkim
KOTA KINABALU: As the flames danced and shadows flickered during a recent campfire gathering, the stakes were palpable in the air.
A thought-provoking question sparked lively debate: “What do you think of Pakatan Harapan’s chances in the next Sabah State Election?” Against the backdrop of emerging bread-and-butter frustrations, this simple query resonated deeply, hinting at potential ballot-box backlash.
To set the stage, in 2020, Pakatan Harapan’s coalition, comprising Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Democratic Action Party (DAP), and Amanah, secured eight seats: six for DAP, two for PKR, while Amanah left empty-handed.
The burning question remains: will their fortunes change in the upcoming election? This can be answered from the primary keys.
Caveat
With that in mind, it is important to consider what has transpired since then. Following a dramatic wave of defections from Warisan Plus, victorious candidates under its banner switched their loyalty to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS). As a result, they have maintained their grip on power to this day. So what had happened in the past five years during their tenure? Did we find a dynamic shift in our lives, economically and Sabah rights?
Basic public amenities
To understand the present challenges, consider one key area: basic public amenities. Over the years, Sabah has grappled with persistent shortages of water, electricity, and proper roads. The current legislative members have fallen woefully short in addressing these basic needs. The frustration finally boiled over, culminating in student protests erupting in the heart of Kota Kinabalu. Even their former colleagues echoed these concerns in the August house recently. So did they just admit such shortcomings?
Alleged corrupt practices
Another big concern is alleged corruption. With social media, people can now see these issues happening openly in the State Government. Why have Pakatan Harapan members stayed silent and not taken action or resigned in protest? Isn’t it their duty to stand up for justice and fight corruption? Another interesting development was the alleged acquisition of a large tract of land in Sabah by a former PKR private secretary to the President, for coal mining purposes in the pristine jungle of Sabah.
Malaysia Agreement 1963
Another issue is how Pakatan Harapan members handled the recent 40% State entitlement court case in the Sabah High Court. At first, DAP opposed the Constitutional provision under the Malaysia Agreement 1963, but then quietly withdrew. Datuk Chan Foong Hin once said that giving Sabah 40% would not be fair to other states in Malaysia. This raises questions about DAP’s loyalty to Sabah and its role in local politics, especially regarding our international agreements and constitutions. Did they really stand up for Sabah, or were they serving other interests? The Malaysia Agreement is a valid deal signed by all parties, with the British as the main player, before handing it over to Malaya. Any attempt to ignore or renegotiate its terms would break the agreement.
Zara Qairina
Finally, the mysterious death of Zara Qairina, a student in a Papar boarding school, has become a symbol of Pakatan Harapan’s lost confidence. While the police are still investigating, many are asking: where were the PKR and DAP representatives from Sabah? Why didn’t these state assembly members show empathy or speak up? They missed the chance to address the tragedy, leaving Sabahans feeling ignored and left out, as some members of Parliament have pointed out, “just an isolated case”. These cold remarks leave Sabahans fuming, as this involved the safety of children in our school under your watch. The untimely death of Zara Qairina transcended the boundary of religious and ethnic lines; she posthumously united the people of Sabah for a greater change. May her soul rest in peace.
As a bonus final argument, the 13th Malaysia plan should have included Sabah’s Constitutional rights of 40%, meaning taxes collected indirectly and directly from Sabah to be deducted and channeled to the State, before a large portion of it is included in the Malaysia plan. If this fiscal compliance were achieved, it could lead to tangible benefits like funding the construction of hundreds of kilometers of new roads or building several new schools across Sabah. Such improvements would not only enhance infrastructure but also have a significant impact on the daily lives of Sabahans, giving people a clearer picture of how the 40% revenue share might directly benefit their communities.
As we parted before the flickering fire, we all concluded that this would be an interesting state election. There will be surprises, and a clear victor will emerge. The power lies with the voters, who wanted to keep the status quo or change it for the better. So vote wisely, whoever you choose to lead for another term will determine your future and your children. Good day.
