SANDAKAN: Citing the resource-driven success of Sarawak and the visionary transformation of Singapore, Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) candidate Henley Liew Yun Ye made a powerful case for competent, local leadership at a campaign event on Wednesday.
Speaking to a substantial number of a mixed crowd at the Sim Sim Low Cost Housing area, Henley argued that Sabah’s development has been hampered not by a lack of resources, but by a consistent deficit in effective governance.
The ceramah cum dinner, held at a popular seafood restaurant, saw residents from the Tanjong Papat constituency listening attentively to the candidate’s vision for the area. The audience reflected Sandakan’s diverse demographic, comprising a strong mix of Chinese, Malay, and Kadazan/Dusun/Murut communities, signalling broad-based interest in the local party’s campaign.
“Look at our neighbours,” Henley was quoted as saying. “Sarawak thrives due to great leadership managing its resources. Singapore had no natural resources in 1965, yet became successful, because of great and competent leaders.”
Applying this lesson to Sabah, Henley outlined a stark contrast. He noted that while many political parties have governed Sabah and vast natural resources have been utilized, the state has not reached the same level of development as its peers.
“The common denominator in our story is leadership,” Henley stated. “We have had the parties and we have had the resources, but we have lacked the consistent, competent, and local-focused leadership to channel them for the people’s benefit. That is what we are committed to changing.”
He concluded with a direct appeal to voters, urging them to prioritize ability and local representation at the ballot box.
“The voters of Tanjong Papat must vote for the best candidate—a local leader from a local party with the competency and ability to deliver real results for Sandakan,” he said. – James Leong
