KOTA KINABALU: After more than six decades of the so-called ineffective political approaches, Sabah clearly needs a genuine transformative force to determine its own future.
Recognising this critical need, a coalition of visionary new Sabah leaders has proactively launched an alliance called the Gabungan Bebas Merdeka Sabah (GBM).
They firmly believe that Sabah’s political environment demands innovative thinking and a homegrown solution — rather than relying on conventional parties whose track records demonstrate consistent governance failures.
To understand the compelling reasons behind GBM’s creation, Jesselton Times News Portal recently secured an exclusive interview with GBM Chairman Dr Kanul Gindol to uncover the strategic details and vision driving this significant political initiative
Question: Could you please share your perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing your newly established political movement, GBM?
Dr Kanul: Well, It is time for a weaning off of failed models of politics in Sabah. The people are no longer fooled by perpetual empty promises from old political coalitions and parties that have held power for far, far too long. We have seen the same patterns repeated — sweet words before elections, then forgotten the moment they win. GRS has been in government for years, and mind you almost all of its current leaders actually had always been in power, some since they were very young and now in their 70s, but where are the results? Villages still lack clean water, roads remain broken across the state, and the full implementation of MA63 rights is still nowhere in sight.
Question: How would you assess the accomplishments of other political organizations such as Warisan, Umno, PH, and PN?
Dr Kanul: Warisan was given its chance too, yet their record speaks for itself. Many promises were left unfulfilled, and the people were left disappointed. UMNO, PH, and PN — all are rooted in Peninsular Malaysia. Their priorities have always been Federal interests, not the urgent needs of Sabahans. Sabah is always an afterthought, never their first concern, never Sabah First. Of course their bosses the PM, DPMs and Federal Ministers would come “often” to Sabah only when elections near. By the way, have you often met or heard any concerned Federal Ministers in Sabah for many years? I don’t.
Question: Do you believe a wildcard candidate represents a viable solution?
Dr Kanul: Well, this is exactly why Sabah now needs a true wildcard — a local grouping or party that is truly independent, not a puppet of any Peninsular-based party. We need a party or a group of new leaders that answers only to the people of Sabah, not to leaders in Kuala Lumpur. A party that is not afraid to speak up and assert our rights openly and without compromise. Like Sarawak? This is why GBM or Gabungan Bebas Merdeka was born in Tuaran on August 14 this year — from the realisation that Sabah can no longer rely on outsiders or failed models to decide our own future. We must shape our own destiny.
Question: In your assessment, have GRS, Warisan, UMNO, PH, and PN been subjected to adequate testing and afforded sufficient time to demonstrate their capabilities?
Dr Kanul: GRS, Warisan, UMNO, PH, PN — all have been tested. All have been given their opportunity. And none have delivered the justice and fairness that Sabah truly deserves. And, mind you, they are all the same yeah the same leaders yesteryears and forever until Sabahans decide otherwise at this GE16. Majority of the people of Sabah are wiser now. We know who our true friends are, and who is merely using Sabah, 20 Points or MA63 as their tired abused horses or a stepping stone for power in the federal capital or in Kota Kinabalu.
Question: What is the actual narrative of GBM’s struggle?
Dr Kanul: This wildcard — GBM — is not just about gaining power. It is about returning power to the people of Sabah. To secure our 40% revenue share, to ensure fair and equal development, and to guarantee that Sabah finally stands as an equal partner, to Sarawak and Malaya. The coming GE16 is not just about changing party or leaders — it is our chance to change a system that has shortchanged us for decades. GBM is working on a new trajectory altogether. We must participate democratically and responsibly, bearing in mind we cannot perpetually depend on a same ‘failed models’ of politics to save Sabah, because failed models will always bring the same failing results.
Question: GRS expresses confidence in securing 15 seats in the forthcoming PRU election. What is your comment on this?
Dr Kanul: GRS and Warisan have their own logics to claim they can win 11 or 15 MP seats each in Sabah, and I don’t wish to comment more on their known stands. Likewise the wildcard GBM, though still in infancy and many have not heard about us yet, wishes to hopefully stand in all 26 available Sabah MP seats including one in nearby Labuan. It is still very early for us. Anyway, currently GRS only has six MP seats while Warisan has three, out of the 25. This time, choose courage. Choose independence. Choose a voice that truly belongs to Sabah. GBM — The People’s Wildcard. Our Future Begins Now.
