By Datuk Jilid Kuminding
KOTA KINABALU: PartiI Warisan today would like to refer to the latest statement by Datuk James Ligunjang, titled Sabah’s remarkable rise, JesseltonTimes. James continues parroting the same tired excuses while failing to grasp the real reason behind Sabah’s decline — weak leadership, poor management, and a self-serving political culture that treats public office as personal entitlement.
Nothing better can ever be achieved for Sabah if leaders continue to operate with a “gaji tidak cukup makan” mentality — a mindset that views political office as a means to enrich oneself rather than to serve the rakyat. This mentality exposes a lack of discipline, foresight, and integrity — qualities essential for governing a state burdened by poverty and inequality.
If a leader cannot even organise his own personal finances responsibly, what confidence can Sabahans have in his ability to manage the state’s financial affairs?
Leadership begins with self-discipline. A person who cannot live within his own means should not be entrusted with overseeing Sabah’s budget or public funds.
Warisan believes that the state’s progress hinges on strong governance, transparency, and fiscal prudence. Sabah does not need leaders who whine about their pay or allowances while ordinary citizens struggle with the rising cost of living, low wages, and poor infrastructure. Instead, the state needs leaders who work to create jobs, attract investments, and restore integrity in government.
The people of Sabah are tired of excuses and political theatrics. They want serious leadership — not one that hides incompetence behind emotional narratives about personal hardship. Public service is a responsibility, not a source of sympathy.
Warisan reiterates its commitment to building a government founded on accountability, integrity, and people-first policies. The party’s vision is clear: to lift Sabah out of the cycle of dependency and mismanagement that has plagued it for decades, and to replace self-serving politics with a culture of service and discipline.
Until leaders shed the “gaji tidak cukup makan” mentality and embrace integrity in both personal and public life, Sabah will remain trapped in mediocrity. Warisan stands firm that Sabah deserves better — leaders who serve with sincerity, manage with competence, and lead with example.
Datuk Jilid Kuminding was a long-serving career diplomat who served as Malaysian ambassador and high commissioner to many countries before he entered politics. He is currently Warisan Coordinator for DUN Tandek.
Source -Borneoherald
