00:00The struggle for Sabah's rights is not a cause exclusive to any single party, said Saleh Syed Kerouak today, following calls for the state government to be led by local parties.
00:12The former Sabah chief minister said there was an assumption that only local parties were entitled to speak on Sabah's rights, noting that Sabah-based parties such as APCO and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah had opted to work within national coalitions to ensure that Sabah's voice is better heard at the federal level.
00:32He added that political parties were merely platforms irrespective of whether they were local or national.
00:38He said the more important matter was the sincerity and capability of leaders in bringing the issues affecting Sabahans to a higher level.
00:48Last Friday, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah chairman Hajji Noor said the coalition would contest the state election independently if Pakatan Harapan and Barisan National had finalized their electoral pact, as he believes local Sabah parties should form the backbone of the state government and lead it.
01:04However, Saleh said that BN and PH's pact for the Sabah election was a step towards ensuring political stability in the Bornean state, which he described as crucial.
