KOTA KINABALU: The slogan "Malaysia for Sabahans" is more relevant and inclusive than the often-used "Sabah for Sabahans", says Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
He said that while the latter may appeal to local sentiments, it risks narrowing Sabah’s place within the broader national context.
"Sabah for Sabahans is too limited in scope. Malaysia for Sabahans is better — it means all of Malaysia is for the people of Sabah, and Sabah is part of Malaysia," he said.
Speaking at a press conference after a meet-and-greet session with Umno members in Kalabakan, recently held in Tawau, Ahmad said the "Sabah for Sabahans" sentiment is seasonal and often resurfaces during election periods.
"Sabahans are already deeply integrated with the rest of the country. More than 200,000 Sabahans work in Peninsular Malaysia. At the same time, many teachers, doctors, engineers, and officers from the peninsula are serving in Sabah," he said.
He noted that this interdependence demonstrates that Malaysia belongs to everyone, and the narrative of "Malaysia for Sabahans" should be promoted moving forward.
"Even I have a Sarawakian wife. This country is about integration — between people, states, and roles," he added.
Ahmad, who is also the Deputy Works Minister, said Umno and Barisan Nasional remain confident of regaining support in Sabah, citing his grassroots engagements across the state.
"I’ve toured many places — Kota Belud, Tuaran, Sepanggar, Putatan, Papar, Keningau, Pensiangan, Beaufort, Semporna, Lahad Datu, Kalabakan, and Tawau.
"The feedback I received was that people have tried various governments, but they now realise Barisan Nasional provided better stability," he said.
He added that if Umno-Barisan Nasional could win a significant number of seats in the next state election, the coalition could become a "big magnet" to attract other parties and form the state government.
"If we contest 30 seats, we can win 25, 29, or even all 30. That’s the kind of momentum we’re building," he said.
