KOTA KINABALU: Sabah DAP is urging the government to call off the Malaysia Day celebrations in view of the severe floods and landslides across the state.
Its chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said the state's escalating crises required urgent and undivided attention from all levels of government.
He said the situation has been aggravated by a landslide in Kampung Sarapung, Penampang, that brought down a 275kV transmission tower, cutting off electricity supply and triggering widespread disruptions.
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“At the same time, flash floods have inundated multiple districts, forcing families to evacuate and leaving many with damaged homes and livelihoods.
“With clean water supply also affected in several areas, Sabah is facing a compounded humanitarian emergency,” he said on Monday (Sept 15).
He said Sabah DAP believed that these disasters must be recognised as a national-level crisis to honour the spirit of Malaysia Day.
The party also held that unity and patriotism are not only expressed through parades or ceremonies, but through action, compassion and solidarity with fellow Malaysians in distress, he added.
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Phoong said the focus of the government machinery should be fully redirected to disaster relief and recovery efforts.
“This is not the time for celebration. It is the time for mobilisation.
"The people of Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, and the east coast of Sabah are in dire need of shelter, food, clean water, medical assistance and immediate restoration of basic utilities.
“Malaysia Day must be commemorated through service and solidarity,” he added.
The party further noted that precedents exist for such a decision.
Phoong said Kuala Lumpur cancelled Merdeka celebrations in respect of victims of a tragic sinkhole incident last year, while Selangor had also called off Aidilfitri celebrations following the devastating gas pipeline explosion and blaze in Putra Heights earlier this year.
“These actions reflected leadership that placed compassion above ceremony and the same principle should apply in Sabah today,” he stressed.
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He said the party urged both state and federal agencies, including local councils and welfare departments, to intensify their efforts to help the disaster-stricken families.
Additional allocation of resources, deployment of personnel, and fast-tracked emergency support are urgently required to minimise further hardship, said Phoong.
“Sabah DAP is ready to cooperate with relevant authorities, NGOs and community leaders to coordinate aid distribution and ensure assistance reaches victims without delay,” he said.
He said calling off Malaysia Day celebrations underscored the most meaningful way to mark this national occasion is by safeguarding lives, prioritising the welfare of the people, and restoring essential services.
“At this difficult time, channelling all available resources into relief efforts is the truest demonstration of unity and the best way to honour the spirit of Malaysia Day,” Phoong said.
