PENAMPANG: Voters in Kapayan are increasingly backing the call for a Sabah-based party to lead the state, says Parti Solidariti Tanahairku (Star) Kapayan Division Chief Bernard A. Logijin.
He said the constituency, created in 2004, has been held by Malayan parties like MCA and DAP for over two decades, but many feel their aspirations remain unmet.
“Twenty-one years is long enough. The people now want change. They want a local party that truly understands and represents them,” he said, echoing Parti Star President Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan’s push for local leadership.
Bernard, a Kapayan native, pledged to stand for the seat if given the opportunity, insisting only local leaders can truly grasp the needs of the community.
He also defended the “Sabah for Sabahans” sentiment, calling it a legitimate movement to uphold Sabah’s dignity and rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), not a divisive agenda as claimed by some federal leaders.
“Sabah was meant to be an equal partner in Malaysia, not a subordinate state. The people have the right to voice their hopes without seeking validation from Putrajaya,” he said.
He concurred with Dr Jeffrey, who is also Gabungan Rakyat Sabah vice chairman, that what is truly divisive is federal arrogance, not ‘Sabah for Sabahans’.
“Dr Jeffrey recently said Sabah has been treated as a resource colony while our voices were suppressed. The federal government has systematically dismantled the spirit of MA63, eroded our constitutional position, and reaped wealth from our soil while ignoring our development needs.
“He spoke what has been in the hearts and minds of Sabahans for so long including the people here in Kapayan who, since the seat was created, have only been under the leadership of Malay parties. But the winds of change are blowing stronger now,” said Bernard.
He said the push for greater autonomy is not a short-term campaign, but a long-term commitment to restoring Sabah’s rightful place within the federation.
