James Ligunjang’s “Stability” Is Built on Fear and Falsehoods — GRS-PH Has Brought Stagnation, Not Growth

By Lucia Kihing, Pensiangan Warisan Women Chief

KOTA KINABALU: Parti Warisan today rebuked Datuk James Ligunjang’s latest statement portraying Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) as symbols of “stability and growth,” calling it a desperate attempt to whitewash failure and recycle old propaganda to mislead voters ahead of the state election.

A Warisan spokesperson said James’s argument that supporting Warisan would “bring UMNO back into power” is laughably hypocritical, given that GRS itself is filled with former UMNO leaders who once held key positions in the very government he now blames for Sabah’s poverty.

> “James claims UMNO drove Sabah into poverty, but he conveniently forgets that Hajiji Noor and Masidi Manjun were both senior UMNO cabinet ministers during that very period. If UMNO is the culprit, then GRS is its political reincarnation — just wearing a new name tag,” the spokesperson said.

1. GRS-PH Is a Coalition of Convenience, Not Stability

James glorifies the so-called “stability” under GRS-PH, but that stability exists only on paper. In reality, Sabah has witnessed constant infighting, defections, and the collapse of key component parties.

> “STAR and SAPP have already left GRS, PBS is restless, and PH’s support for Hajiji is a short-term marriage of convenience. How can this be called stability when the coalition is cracking from within?” the spokesperson asked.

True stability is built on trust and unity of purpose — not on fear, patronage, and political bargaining.

2. Economic “Growth” Exists Only in Their Speeches

James’s claim that Sabah’s economy has experienced “remarkable transformation” is pure fiction. Poverty remains among the highest in Malaysia, youth unemployment persists, and infrastructure in rural areas continues to deteriorate.

> “The so-called ‘growth’ under GRS is not visible in the daily lives of ordinary Sabahans. Villagers still queue for clean water, roads remain broken, and job opportunities are shrinking. The only ones enjoying growth are those holding office,” the spokesperson said.

Warisan maintained that real progress must be felt by the rakyat, not just announced in glossy reports.

3. “Autonomy” Is a Myth — GRS Still Answers to Putrajaya

James’s claim that the GRS-PH government enjoys “minimal interference from the federal government” is a blatant falsehood.

> “If there’s truly autonomy, why has GRS failed to secure Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement guaranteed under Articles 112C and 112D of the Federal Constitution? Why must Hajiji still rely on federal approval to implement major projects?” the spokesperson asked.

Five years under GRS have proven one thing: Sabah’s rights are still being negotiated, delayed, and ignored. That is not autonomy — that is subservience.

4. Stability Without Integrity Is Just Stagnation

The spokesperson further said James’s obsession with “stability” ignores a basic truth — even a corrupt or incompetent regime can appear stable, but such stability only breeds decay.

“A stagnant pond is stable too — but it breeds mosquitoes. That’s what GRS-PH governance has become: stable stagnation. No innovation, no courage, no results,” the spokesperson said.

5. Warisan Offers Integrity, Not Illusions

Warisan reminded that its administration from 2018 to 2020 was built on transparency, accountability, and inclusion. Shafie Apdal’s government initiated reforms, restored investor confidence, and revived the spirit of Sabah nationalism — without federal interference or corruption scandals.

 “Warisan didn’t need Putrajaya’s permission to govern. We stood proudly as Sabahans, for Sabahans. That’s leadership — not dependency,” the spokesperson added.

Conclusion

Warisan said James Ligunjang’s statement exposes the moral bankruptcy of GRS’s defenders — those who rewrite history while standing beside the very figures they once condemned.

“James cannot condemn UMNO and in the same breath praise the UMNO men now leading GRS. That is hypocrisy of the highest order. Sabah doesn’t need recycled leaders in new packaging — it needs fresh leadership with integrity and vision. That leadership is Warisan,” the spokesperson concluded.

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