KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin has been reminded of the "Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga" (Our Home, Our Responsibility) principle, a mantra he once embraced but now seems to have forgotten.
Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Parti Gagasan) information chief Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan noted that Bung Moktar had previously benefited from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah's (GRS) support during his successful bids for the Lamag state assembly and Kinabatangan parliamentary seats.
"He should uphold the 'Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga' principle. Instead, his response suggests he is unwilling to accept that the Barisan Nasional era has ended. This is now the era of GRS, guided by the Sabah Maju Jaya development plan," Nizam said in a statement on Wednesday (Dec 11).
Bung Moktar recently criticised GRS deputy chairman Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan over remarks made during the GRS Youth launch regarding peninsula-based parties and Barisan Nasional's decision to contest in Sabah's 17th state election, scheduled by September next year.
Nizam clarified that Kitingan's speech aimed to inspire party members by promoting self-reliance and vigilance.
"The message encouraged the youth to protect their rights and remain vigilant against those who might undermine them. However, Bung Moktar appeared rattled by the speech. This reaction raises the question, is he acknowledging, albeit indirectly, that Umno is a 'hidden enemy' to the Sabah State Government?" he asked.
Nizam, who is also a GRS Information Bureau member, asserted that Kitingan's speech contained no elements of incitement.
Instead, it underscored the importance of unity in protecting Sabah's interests.
"Yet, Bung Moktar chose to attack him personally, dredging up his complex political history—an irrelevant move for someone of Bung Moktar's experience," Nizam said.
He noted that Sabahans are increasingly supporting local parties that understand their aspirations. Bung Moktar's criticism of the "Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga" message only underscores Umno's growing anxiety over its dwindling support.
"His (Kitingan) stance is based on facts, not political rhetoric. As a long-serving Kinabatangan MP, Bung Moktar should recognise that the constituency remains underdeveloped, reflecting the failures of the administration he represents," Nizam added.
Nizam also criticised Bung Moktar's reliance on a dubious video with clear political motives, suggesting it further undermines his credibility.
"His actions raise suspicions of involvement in a plot where he plays both prosecutor and judge. Rather than casting reckless accusations, Bung Moktar should focus on his own legal challenges and the real issues affecting Sabah," he said.
