Sabahans’ duty to protect independence, autonomy

KOTA KINABALU: Political parties from outside Sabah should not be allowed to compete in elections in any constituency in Sabah in order to protect the sovereignty and autonomy of the state.

The Malaysia Agreement of 1963 granted Sabah the right to self-governance, and it is crucial to respect and uphold this agreement.

The electoral process in Sabah is an internal affair that should be determined solely by the people of the state. The intrusion of political parties from outside can be seen as unwanted interference and may undermine the ability of Sabahans to choose their own representatives and manage their own affairs.

This is the view of former Petagas assemblyman Datuk James Ligunjang.

He pointed out in a statement on Thursday that political parties from outside may not have a comprehensive understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by the people of Sabah. By allowing only local political parties to compete in elections, we can ensure better representation and safeguard the accurate interests of the people.

Respecting the sovereignty of Sabah is vital to uphold the principles of the Malaysia Agreement of 1963 and to foster democracy within the Federation of Malaysia. The presence of political parties from outside can undermine the democratic process and influence political decisions within the state.

While some may argue that competition from outside parties brings alternative perspectives and increased competition, it is crucial to prioritise the sanctity of the Malaysia Agreement of 1963 and the independence and autonomy of Sabah.

Allowing parties from outside the state to compete in elections jeopardizes the rights and autonomy of Sabah. Therefore, it is important for Sabahans to reject the involvement of outside political parties in Sabah politics and protect the state’s autonomy and interests.

Political parties from outside Sabah are primarily motivated by gaining power rather than truly understanding and representing the aspirations and interests of the people of Sabah.