3 days ago
Pairin urges Sabahans to ‘stand up' and back local parties over national coalitions
FORMER Sabah chief minister Joseph Pairin Kitingan, 84, has urged Sabahans to support local parties over national-based parties in the upcoming state election.
Speaking candidly to the media at the PBS-Sabah Star convention, Pairin warned Sabahans not to lose control of their home and urged youth to 'wake up' and stand up for the state's future.
His message comes as the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition considers contesting solo without federal partners.
'The most important thing Sabahans must decide for this (upcoming) election is to ensure we have a government based on local parties,' said Pairin, whose face showed clear signs of frustration.
'Not parties from Malaya (national-based parties),' he added.
Pairin, once a symbol of Sabah's political autonomy, expressed frustration that Sabah has been sidelined in decision-making and urged voters not to let others decide their destiny.
In 1985, just a week after founding PBS, Pairin led the party to a shock victory over the ruling Berjaya government, marking a historic moment for Kadazandusun leadership and Sabah's political autonomy.
However, after nearly a decade in power, PBS lost control in 1994 following the defection of several assemblypersons to BN.
Addressing Sabah's youths, he said, 'Wake up. This is your home. Do not just let others decide your future while you stay quiet. Stand up for Sabah.' —July 13, 2025
Main image: Alchetron
