Sabah PH will bridge state needs with national policies, says Mustapha

 The Sabah PH chairman says the coalition will serve as a conduit to ensure issues involving state rights continue to be voiced at the federal level.

Mustapha Sakmud intends to leverage his new role as Sabah and Sarawak affairs minister to bring the concerns of Sabahans to the Cabinet and government agencies for action and implementation.

PETALING JAYA:

 Sabah Pakatan Harapan aims to ensure the state’s voice is heard in Putrajaya to ensure federal policies address state needs, says the coalition’s state chapter chairman Mustapha Sakmud.

Following his appointment as Sabah and Sarawak affairs minister on Feb 15, Mustapha said he intends to leverage his new role to bring the concerns of Sabahans to Cabinet meetings and government agencies for action and implementation.

“This is the role we aim to play, and we hope the people of Sabah will appreciate it when their fundamental needs are addressed,” said Mustapha in an interview with FMT.

In this way, Mustapha said he is confident that sentiments toward PH and its component parties will remain positive in Sabah.

“There are segments of the population that still place hope in national parties, and they also respect the current government,” he said, emphasising that all issues involving Sabah’s rights will be addressed.

“Not every issue can be resolved instantaneously, but the processes are underway. As Sabah PH chairman, Sabah PKR chief, and minister for Sabah and Sarawak affairs, I will ensure that the rights of the people of Sabah are fully protected,” he added.

The recent Sabah state election saw national parties lose traction among Sabahans, with PH winning only one seat through PKR, while DAP lost every contest it entered.

Another national coalition, Barisan Nasional (BN) also fared worse than previously, winning six state assembly seats, while Perikatan Nasional (PN) won their maiden constituency.

The election, held on Nov 29, saw Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) winning the most seats with 29, followed by Warisan (25), Upko (3), Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (2), and Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (1), with five seats going to independent candidates. - FMT