KOTA KINABALU: Sabah-based parties should consider contesting all 73 seats in the upcoming state elections to reaffirm their commitment to safeguarding the state’s political autonomy, says Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) information chief Chin Vui Kai.
In a call to keep Sabah’s elections local, Chin urged all Sabah-based parties to unite under the initiative "Local Parties Contesting All 73 Seats."
"This initiative represents the mission and collective responsibility of Sabah’s political parties to secure the state’s autonomy and future," he said in a statement on Sunday (Dec 22).
Chin highlighted the challenges faced by some Sabah-based parties aligned with national political coalitions, particularly in advocating for greater autonomy for Sabah within the constraints of their national decision-making structures.
"We have observed significant limitations these parties face in championing Sabah’s rights," he noted.
He also appealed to non-Sabah-based parties to respect the aspirations of the Sabah people for political self-determination.
"We urge these parties to emulate the precedent set by Perikatan Nasional and Barisan Nasional during the Sarawak state elections, where both coalitions refrained from fielding candidates.
"Such a gesture would demonstrate genuine respect for the autonomy of Malaysia’s three regions," he said.
Chin reaffirmed SAPP’s belief that Sabah’s future must be shaped by its people.
"By ensuring that only local parties contest all 73 State Legislative Assembly seats, Sabah can establish a government free from external interference, uphold its dignity, and chart its course with confidence and self-reliance.
"Let us stand united to fulfil Sabah’s aspirations for autonomy and progress," he added.
