By Voon Lee Shan
President, Parti Bumi Kenyalang
KOTA KINABALU: The future of Sabah and Sarawak deserves honest reflection and courageous conversation. For far too long, political dynamics have been shaped by parties whose roots and real authority lie outside Borneo. Even when these parties place local faces on their banners, the true power over strategy, direction, and even candidate selection often remains in distant hands. This reality raises fundamental questions about autonomy, representation, and dignity.
Equally concerning are local parties that operate not as authentic voices of the people, but as extensions of outside interests. In this light, Sabah’s 17th State Election and the coming 13th Sarawak Elections takes on deeper significance—one that goes beyond ordinary electoral competition. It becomes a moment that reveals the long-standing tension between external dominance and the aspiration for genuine local self-determination.
The developmental challenges still faced by Sabah and Sarawak must be understood within this structural context. For decades, key decisions on funding, infrastructure, and regional priorities have been shaped largely by federal mechanisms centered in Malaya. This imbalance has constrained meaningful growth, leaving both regions struggling to realize their full potential despite their vast natural and human resources.
These issues call for thoughtful examination. As Sabah and Sarawak look toward the future, it is essential for their people to consider what forms of leadership, governance, and political direction can truly support their long-term progress and secure a fairer, more empowered place within the national framework.
