SANDAKAN: Warisan Supreme Council member and Elopura Assemblyman Calvin Chong said the 17th state election demonstrated that Sabahans want change and stronger local representation.
“Without doubt, this was an incredibly encouraging election,” he said.
Calvin highlighted that local-focused parties such as Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Parti Warisan won the majority of seats with 29 and 25, respectively, while peninsular-based parties PH, BN and PN secured only one, six and one seats.
“This is a clear warning to the Federal Government that they need to take Sabah’s issues more seriously,” he said, adding that the election also signals to peninsular Chinese communities that Sabah is no longer a “fixed deposit” for DAP.
He urged younger voters to recognise the importance of participating in elections. “By voting, we fulfil our responsibility as citizens and entrust a party to champion our voices for Sabah’s future,” he said.
Calvin said Sabah voters’ priorities are clear: the Federal Government must honour the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), return 40 per cent of Sabah’s net tax revenue, and resolve basic infrastructure problems.
He emphasised that the state administration should be led by local parties without excessive federal interference.
With the general election just two years away, Calvin said Sabah will play a decisive role in national politics.
“How the political landscape changes depends on what steps the Federal Government takes on these key Sabah issues in the near term,” he said.
