By Angie S Chin, Founder & Project Lead of Vote Wisely (Sabah)
KOTA KINABALU: When Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal recently stated that the majority of the KDMR community are poor, social media lit up.
Many were quick to take offense, interpreting his words as an insult to a certain race — an attack on pride, identity, and dignity.
But let’s pause for a moment.
If one is too lazy to watch the full video or struggles to read between the lines, it’s easy to twist truth into an insult. But for those who truly listen — not just with their ears, but with understanding — Shafie’s statement was not an attack. It was a wake-up call.
And I say this as someone with KDMR blood myself. Do I feel offended?
No. I feel upset — because the truth hurts.
I have been to these so-called “backward” areas myself. I have stayed in these places during work visits, and even I — a proud Sabahan — have found myself asking, “How on earth can our people still live like this?”
When a friend from Penang once followed me on one of these trips, she was in disbelief. Rationed electricity. Water for toilets limited by schedule. Almost zero phone connectivity — even in emergencies. She swore she would never return, not out of disrespect, but because the living conditions were so tough.
And yet, the one thing she missed? The warmth and hospitality of Sabahans who, despite having so little, treated her with generosity and kindness.
That’s who we are. Resilient. Kind. Proud. But we are also stuck at the same time.
According to IMF reports, the nine poorest districts in Sabah are indeed mostly KDMR areas. Remote, underdeveloped, and struggling with poor roads, drainage, and connectivity.
These places have been led by KDMR leaders for decades. So we must ask, What has been done in the last 60 years?
Day in and day out, leaders claim to care for their people. Yet I could not even find a proper bus terminal in Telupid, Nabawan, or Kinabatangan. Where did all the promises go?
This is not about race or pride. It is about accountability. It is about leadership — and the courage to admit that something is very wrong.
Not all KDMR leaders are bad, of course. Some are capable, dedicated, and sincere. But many are too quiet.
Too afraid to speak up. Too used to saying yes and waiting for instructions from above. Some have been in power for far too long.
It is time to step aside for a new generation — brave and capable KDMR leaders who lead like our forefathers once did. Warriors with integrity, not yes-men waiting for orders.
And this applies not just to KDMR leaders, but to all leaders in Sabah — regardless of race or religion. You were elected to serve. To fix things on the ground. To show up for your people.
Before we allow ourselves to be brainwashed by political narratives or social media outrage, let’s grow up and face the truth: There is no shame in admitting that we are struggling. The real shame is in pretending that everything is fine when it isn’t.
Shafie’s words weren’t meant to divide us. They were meant to remind us.
Because we cannot heal what we refuse to acknowledge.
So instead of being defensive, let us take this as a challenge — to do better, lead better, and rise together as Sabahans.
Truth hurts. But maybe this time, it’s exactly what we need to wake up and rise.
