KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Umno has clarified that its concerns regarding the recent appointment of the new Sabah Economic Development Corporation (Sedco) group general manager stem from a desire to uphold the organisation's founding principles, not race.
Libaran MP Datuk Suhaimi Nasir highlighted that the appointment has caused unease among many Sabahans, especially the indigenous bumiputera community, who view Sedco as a beacon of economic hope and empowerment.
He was responding to the appointment of Datuk Ar James Wong, a Kota Kinabalu-born architect and CEO of a prominent firm in Sabah.
Wong hails from a family with notable contributions to local development, including his father Datuk Ar Francis Wong, and his sister Penny Wong, Australia’s Foreign Minister.
"This is not about race. It is about preserving Sedco’s original mission as a trust to strengthen bumiputera participation in the state’s economy," Suhaimi stated.
He emphasised that leadership appointments must align with Sedco’s founding spirit to maintain public confidence and the agency’s credibility.
Established in 1971, Sedco has been pivotal in advancing bumiputera economic interests.
Suhaimi warned that overlooking capable local professionals for top positions may discourage young talent and send a negative message to future generations.
"There are many qualified bumiputera professionals who have long contributed to Sabah’s development. If they continue to be overlooked, it will demoralise them and push our best minds to seek recognition elsewhere," he said.
