KOTA KINABALU: Former Petagas assemblyman Datuk James Ligunjang opined that it is unlikely for any single party, whether local or from Malaya, to obtain sufficient seats to independently establish a state government in the forthcoming state election (PRN).
He said that major national parties like PKR, UMNO, DAP, BERSATU, and PAS are expected to align with local parties to maintain their influence over Sabah.
“This situation poses significant challenges and threats for the people of Sabah.
“The ambitions of Malaya-based political parties are to assert control over Sabah to further their political and economic agendas, a pattern seen in decades of UMNO’s dominance in Sabah, which conflicted with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),” he said in his latest social media post.
Lingunjang said as the PRN17 elections approach, Sabah stands at a crucial crossroads, with multiple political parties vying for power.
As such, he said it is important for Sabahans to stay informed about this issue and resist narratives that threaten unity and economic growth.
“A division along political lines could have severe implications for our beloved state and people,” he added.
Historically, Ligunjang said the rights and interests of Sabahans, as enshrined in MA63, have been overlooked or eroded to accommodate Malaya-focused goals.
“Without unity and strong advocacy, Sabah risks prolonged subjugation, potentially stifling progress and development.
“Policies driven by external interests could hinder growth and limit future opportunities for the state,” he said.
He said to counter the influence of Malaya-based parties, local parties should consider forming coalitions, similar to Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in Sarawak, to minimise outside impact on administration and policy-making.
Recognising the need for unity, Ligunjang said several local parties have formed Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
“We hope parties like Warisan and UPKO will join this coalition to ensure Sabah’s autonomy and self-determination, especially regarding Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement.
“Sabahans must understand the importance of internal collaboration to prevent dominance from external forces.
“The future of Sabah depends on our capacity to unite as a cohesive front. We must prioritise our shared interests and ensure that our unique needs are addressed. By fostering unity, we can strengthen our voice, protect our rights, and pave the way for genuine economic growth and a brighter future for everyone who calls Sabah home,” he added.
