Sabah BN slams Jeffrey over 'federal arrogance' claim
KOTA KINABALU (May 16): Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) has fired back at Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan over his latest claims of 'federal arrogance,' saying the real issue lies with the state's leadership, not Putrajaya.
Sabah BN Communications Director Nik Mohd Nadzri Nik Zawawi questioned Jeffrey's repeated accusations against the Federal Government, calling them a distraction from his failure to deliver tangible progress for the state.
'Datuk Seri Panglima Jeffrey Kitingan has once again chosen to point fingers at the Federal Government, claiming there is 'federal arrogance' towards Sabah. But the reality is that under the 2025 Budget, Sabah received RM6.7 billion in development allocation an increase from the previous year. That clearly shows the Federal Government's commitment to Sabah,' he said.
Nik Mohd Nadzri said it was time state leaders stop deflecting blame and start showing results.
'If the allocations have been given, where are the outcomes? Why is Sabah still struggling with the same trio of problems — water, roads, and electricity? Isn't the majority of the allocation already channeled directly to state agencies and ministries?' he pointed out.
'So who is truly being arrogant? The Federal Government that provides, or the state leaders who fail to manage? asked Nik Mohd Nadzri.
He criticised the frequent use of slogans like 'Sabah for Sabahans' when, he argued, those in power have little to show in terms of actual performance.
'Stop hiding behind slogans when performance is lacking. Don't blame the umbrella when you don't know how to dance,' he said.
He noted that Jeffrey has held various positions over decades moving from opposition to government, and now serving as Deputy Chief Minister, but has reverted to the same narrative whenever challenged by the public.
'Every time the people demand results, he returns to the old drama: 'The Federation is arrogant. Sabah is oppressed,'' Nik Mohd Nadzri opined.
He also rejected the logic behind the accusation of federal arrogance, pointing to consistent increases in Sabah's federal budget and ongoing development projects.
'If Putrajaya were truly arrogant, why does Sabah's budget keep increasing every year? Why do projects keep moving despite limited state revenue? Why does the Federal Government continue to assist a state led by someone like him?' he said, adding that the people are no longer easily swayed by political rhetoric.
'The people know the difference between leaders who work and those who just shout. Sabah does not need leaders who trade in emotions, it needs leaders who solve problems,' he said and reaffirmed BN Sabah's stand against divisive narratives and empty slogans, saying real strength lies in leadership that is efficient, accountable and built on integrity.
'Our problem today does not stem from Putrajaya, but from hands that have failed to manage the people's allocations with honesty and trust,' Nik Mohd Nadzri stressed adding, 'Federal arrogance is the excuse of those who fail to prove their own success.'
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