THE desire to support local rather than national parties appears to be sweeping the young leaders of Sabah.
The national versus local party debate has been going on for years in Sabah but recently, more are beginning to feel it is important for them to be rooted in local politics to better serve the people.
Former Sabah Muda secretary Warrence Mudin said the trend is largely due to an increasing love and understanding for the state and its people.
"For instance, national parties tend to distribute resources equitably after assuming power. However, these principles often fail adequately to address certain specific issues in the state. Consequently, Sabah struggles to obtain the support it needs when a national party assumes control of the state," said the former Muda stalwart.
Sabah faces numerous challenges, including lack of infrastructure and moden amenities, unemployment, and poverty which are often not understood by the national parties.
The state also has to contend with longstanding issues of unresolved illegal immigrants, cross-border crimes, a high cost of living, and heavy reliance on imported goods like rice and food items.
This comes after over three decades of Sabah being under the rule of national parties.
Warisan youth chief Terence Au said national political leaders often offer generic solutions that do not effectively address Sabah's long-term, unique challenges.
"Whether it's poor infrastructure, water shortages, or power outages, these issues directly impact us. Local parties with stronger decision-making powers would know what to do, unlike national parties led by leaders who often give a one-for-all solution, which does not work,” he said.
Former State Unduk Ngadau champion Jo-anna Sue Henley Rampas also prefers to support local-based parties.
The former Kiulu state and Tuaran MP electoral candidate for Warisan is taking a break from politics to work as a research assistant while pursuing higher education in Sarawak.
“I am currently focusing on my job. It is 50/50 whether I will return to politics. But I do believe local parties hold the key to Sabah’s progress,” said Rampas. – April 23, 2024
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