KOTA KINABALU: It seems that the upcoming state election would be like “dogs chasing cars” with political parties fixated on winning seats but lacking clear direction or purpose once in power, says Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee (pic).
The Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) president said political parties contesting the upcoming Sabah state elections must prioritise clear strategies and core struggles for the state, rather than focusing solely on securing seats.
He voiced concern over what he described as an alarming trend of parties rushing to claim positions without offering concrete plans or showing a deep understanding of Sabah’s challenges.
“It is disheartening to see a situation where the pursuit of power overshadows the need to deliver meaningful solutions, especially during this window of opportunity to fulfil the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),” he said in a statement on Saturday (May 3).
“Such a race for power could reduce the democratic process to a purposeless chase, like 'dogs chasing cars', a scenario where those vying for positions have no idea what to do once they get there,” he said.
Yong also reminded all political players that once the State Legislative Assembly is dissolved, all 73 seats revert to the people.
“The seats are no longer held by politicians or parties. It is up to voters to choose their representatives and government at the ballot box,” he said.
Highlighting SAPP’s preparations, Yong said the party had already published its seven-point core struggles for the state elections.
These include political autonomy for Sabah, with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) contesting all 73 seats, land reform to prioritise land for Sabahans, the introduction of the Sabah Identification Card (IC), full implementation of MA63, reverting the Tuan Yang DiPertua Negeri for Sabah to “Negara”, the return of Labuan to Sabah and securing 35% of parliamentary seats for the Borneo states.
“SAPP, as a disciplined and progressive party, will continue to pursue these struggles, whether or not there is any seat-sharing arrangement,” he added.
