Masidi To Sabahans If You Want To Be Like S Wak Think Like Its People

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Sabahans who admire Sarawak’s development must first change their mindset and prioritise political stability, said Gagasan Rakyat Sabah deputy chairperson Masidi Manjun.
Speaking at the party’s annual general meeting in Kota Kinabalu yesterday, Masidi said while Sabahans often look up to their neighbours, emulating Sarawak’s progress would require a mental and political shift.
“If we want to be like Sarawak, then we must think and act like Sarawakians,” said the state finance minister.
“Prioritise political stability. Prioritise continuity. In Sabah, our biggest issue is frequent government changes.”
ADSLimit CM term
Masidi pointed out that while Sarawak has only had six premiers, Sabah has gone through 16 chief ministers – a reflection of the state’s decades-long political turbulence.
He expressed support for a proposal to impose a two-term limit on the chief minister’s post, saying it would encourage leadership renewal and curb excessive power concentration.
“The cabinet agrees in principle. But whether we have the two-thirds majority in the state assembly to pass it, that’s another matter. Still, we believe it’s the right direction,” he said at the Sabah International Convention Centre.
“Such frequent changes make it difficult to focus on long-term plans, solve core infrastructure issues, or implement consistent development.
“Every time we change governments, it takes time to start over. So how can we truly move forward when we’re always going back to square one?”
CM Hajiji NoorHis remarks come as Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) gears up for the upcoming state election, while facing scrutiny over a corruption scandal involving Chief Minister Hajiji Noor’s administration.
Last December, Masidi and his special officer denied allegations from a whistleblower claiming a large sum of money was offered as bribes in support of a mineral exploration licence application.
The exposé has since implicated over a dozen elected representatives. Two have been charged in court, along with whistleblower and businessperson Albert Tei.
Firm Sabah stance, identity
Turning to the broader theme of state identity, Masidi urged GRS delegates to recognise that true sovereignty goes beyond borders or leadership – and begins with independent thought.
“We’re not just talking about land, borders, or who governs. Mental independence is even more important. We need to think for ourselves, based on our own Sabah identity, not follow what outsiders tell us is right.
ADS“Sabah must no longer wait for outsiders to guide or dictate our future.
“We have to love this land enough to shape it ourselves with our own values, our own rhythm, our own voice,” he said.
Masidi added that the lyrics of the state anthem “Sabah Tanah Airku” – particularly the line “merdeka sepanjang masa” (forever independent) – still hold meaning today and reflect the vision of Sabah’s founding leaders.
“It’s a vision that must be revived and defended,” he urged. - Mkini

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