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Kota Kinabalu: Sabahans must be like Sarawakians and learn to think independently as well as stop relying on external influence if they want to progress.

Gagasan Rakyat Deputy Chairman Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun told delegates attending the party’s AGM at SICC, Saturday, that Sabahans must embrace not just physical freedom but mental independence as true sovereignty lies in the mindset, not just in votes.

“We’re not just talking about land, borders, or who governs. Mental independence is even more important. We need to think for ourselves, based on our own Sabah identity. Not follow what outsiders tell us what is right. 

“Sabah must no longer wait for outsiders to guide or dictate our future. We have to love this land enough to shape it ourselves with our own values, our own rhythm, our own voice,” he said.

Quoting the Sabah anthem “Sabah Tanah Airku, merdeka sepanjang masa”, Masidi said the lyrics still hold meaning today and represent the vision of past Sabah leaders, a vision that must be revived and defended.

“Sabahans often compare the state with Sarawak, admiring its political stability, development pace and unity. But for Sabah to reach that level the people must first shift their mentality and attitudes. 

“If we want to be like Sarawak, then we must think and act like Sarawakians.

“Prioritise political stability. Prioritise continuity. In Sabah, our biggest issue is frequent government changes,” he said. 

Masidi pointed out that while Sarawak is only on its sixth Premier, Sabah has already had 16 Chief Ministers which is evidence of how unstable the political climate has been over the decades.

He supported proposals to limit the Chief Minister’s term to two terms, a reform already implemented at the federal level, saying it would allow for leadership renewal and prevent over-concentration of power.

The idea has been informally agreed to by the state Cabinet, but requires further legislative support.

“The Cabinet agrees in principle. But whether we have the two-thirds majority in the State Assembly to pass it, that’s another matter. Still, we believe it’s the right direction. 

“Such frequent changes make it difficult to focus on long-term plans, solve core infrastructure issues, or implement consistent development.

“Every time we change governments, it takes time to start over. So how can we truly move forward when we’re always going back to square one?” he said.

He said Sabah has enough resources, talent, and potential but what’s lacking is the willingness to work together without ego.

He noted that political players in the state are too often focused on winning for themselves, instead of for the people. 

“This is the problem. Everyone wants to win, but not everyone wants to get their hands dirty. If politics here remains a game of who must win and who must lose, we will never be united and Sabah will always be stuck in the same cycle.”

Masidi described this mindset as toxic and said it is time for Sabah’s political culture to mature, move away from narrow personal interests and focus on collective state building.

Responding to questions about whether party components are ready to unite ahead of the coming state election, he said now is the time to stop petty quarrels and start thinking like a team.

“Politics shouldn’t be about who’s more powerful, it should be about who’s more willing to work,” he said.