KEMABONG: UMNO Sabah Vice Youth Chief Bobby Balang has expressed disappointment over Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s recent remarks urging Sabahans to “exercise wisdom” when faced with unverified claims circulating on social media.
Speaking during the Program Radu Tatap Radu in Kemabong, Bobby said such statements risk underestimating the intelligence and digital awareness of Sabahans, especially the younger generation.
“Sabah’s youth today are not naive or uninformed. They know how to verify facts and seek credible sources. It’s unfair to suggest public discourse is driven purely by gullibility,” he said.
Bobby also warned that simply talking about state achievements would not erase the damage caused by corruption scandals, which have severely tarnished Sabah’s reputation in recent years.
“Sweeping corruption under the carpet will only scare off investors who are cautious about putting their money in a state associated with graft,” he stressed. “Investors will hesitate to commit to a place where integrity is lacking, no matter how good the economic numbers look.”
He emphasised that economic development must not be used as a license for corruption, pointing out that many Sabahans still face daily struggles with basic amenities such as water supply, poor road conditions, and frequent electricity disruptions.
“These are the realities people face every day and they deserve genuine solutions, not just rhetoric,” he added.
Bobby urged for leadership that speaks the truth, acts firmly against corruption, and focuses on resolving the real issues affecting the people on the ground.
