By Desmond Taba
KOTA KINABALU: The time has come for the people of Tambunan and Keningau to pose a question that may have been asked too infrequently in public discourse: after decades of political struggle, what substantial changes have the people genuinely experienced?
Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan possesses an extensive track record of championing Sabah’s rights, particularly regarding MA63 and the demand for 40 percent of Sabah’s net revenue.
He continues to vigorously raise these issues in Parliament.
Yet for ordinary citizens, a voice in Parliament represents only one dimension of the struggle.
What truly matters is tangible results, concrete solutions, and transformative change that reaches the grassroots level.
If the same demands must be repeatedly voiced year after year, the people have every right to question the effectiveness of the strategies employed.
Political struggle should not be measured by the volume of one’s rhetoric, but rather by how successfully those demands translate into actual rights, resource allocation, and meaningful development.
Tambunan and Keningau cannot continue relying solely on political rhetoric.
The people require improved infrastructure, more reliable water and electricity supply, agriculture with viable markets, employment opportunities, thriving tourism, and an economy capable of offering a promising future to young generations.
Simultaneously, generational leadership transitions warrant thoughtful deliberation.
While age and political tenure are not the sole measures of capability, democracy perpetually requires space for emerging leaders to introduce fresh ideas and innovative approaches.
In this context, Dato’ Victor P. Paut’s proposals deserve open and fair evaluation.
He has presented agro-farming, tourism, smart agriculture, agricultural market expansion, and entrepreneurial development as key priorities for Keningau and Tambunan.
Additionally, he has proposed initiatives to upgrade plantation and agricultural roads.
The critical question now is how effectively these ideas can be transformed into concrete policies and tangible projects.
This is the debate that must take place. Sabah does not lack slogans—it needs results. Tambunan does not lack history—it needs a future.
Keningau does not lack political figures—it needs more organized development and broader economic opportunities.
Therefore, citizens have the right to evaluate all leaders based on their track record, effectiveness, strategic plans, and ability to deliver on promises.
Past contributions deserve recognition, but they should not serve as justification for closing doors to the next generation. MA63 must continue to be championed.
The 40 percent rights must continue to be pursued through effective legal and political channels.
However, the struggle for Sabah’s rights and regional development cannot be separated. Citizens deserve more than just loud voices.
They deserve results, implementation, and real change.
Ultimately, the future of Tambunan and Keningau should be determined through open evaluation of all leadership options—weighing proven track records against new ideas being offered.
Because politics is not about who has lasted the longest. Politics should be about who can deliver the genuine change that people truly experience.
