Anifah warns that Bongawan risks “another five years of stagnation” if voters select candidates he said are overly dependent on federal support.
BONGAWAN (Nov 26): Bongawan must choose a representative who can “stand up to federal pressure” and deliver long-overdue development as Sabah enters what Tan Sri Anifah Aman describes as a defining decade for economic growth in the state’s southern region.
In a hard-hitting statement, the GRS candidate and former foreign minister warned that Bongawan risks “another five years of stagnation” if voters select candidates he said are overly dependent on federal support.
“Bongawan needs a leader who speaks for Sabah first, not someone who waits for approval from the federal government,” Anifah said.
“I’ve fought for MA63 (Malaysia Agreement 1963), I’ve pushed for the 40 per cent revenue return, and I have never hesitated to challenge the federal powers when Sabah’s rights were ignored.”
His remarks came amid growing criticism of federal-endorsed BN candidate Datuk Mohamad Alamin, whom he accused of lacking autonomy due to party discipline and ministerial responsibilities in Kuala Lumpur.
“If, as an MP and Deputy Minister, he could not pressure the federal government on Sabah’s rights, how will he do it as a state assemblyman (ADUN) without a Cabinet role?” Anifah questioned.
“Bongawan cannot afford a part-time ADUN,” he said, noting that no elected representative from the constituency has ever held a full Sabah ministerial post.
Some analysts have pointed out that Mohamad, who is currently the Kimanis MP, faces questions over whether he can juggle both federal and state responsibilities if elected.
State political blocs have also indicated that candidates perceived as being too closely aligned with Putrajaya are unlikely to be appointed to the Sabah Cabinet.
The current Bongawan incumbent, Dr Daud Yusof, is widely regarded as approachable and active at the grassroots level.
However, residents are increasingly aware that after two terms, major structural issues — including employment opportunities, infrastructure gaps, uneven access to education and sluggish investment activity — remain unresolved.
Anifah said good intentions alone no longer meet the constituency’s needs.
“Dr Daud is a good man, and I respect him,” he said of the Parti Warisan man.
“But after ten years, the limits of his political influence are clear. Bongawan now needs someone who can pull national attention, investment and policy change.
“In other words, Bongawan needs not just a career politician but a person with entrepreneurial prowess and diplomatic experience all rolled into one. It took me years to develop the person I am with all of these, and it wasn’t easy.
“But as I’ve said to the people of Bongawan, use me.”
Anifah positioned himself as the only candidate with both the seniority and the independence to confront federal leaders on Sabah’s behalf.
“I left Umno because I refused to be bound by promises that were never fulfilled. I formed my own party because Sabah must chart its own future,” said the Parti Cinta Sabah president.
“I don’t need federal blessings to speak. I don’t wait for Kuala Lumpur to decide what Sabah deserves.”
He added that Bongawan, strategically located within a developing southern growth corridor, requires a representative with enough political weight to secure large-scale projects and negotiate directly with both state and federal governments.
“This constituency needs a leap forward, not another cycle of small projects and delayed promises,” Anifah said.
“If Bongawan wants real change, it must choose a leader brave enough to demand it. I’m offering all of myself to you.”
At the same time, Anifah acknowledged the strong local sentiments among the majority Bruneian Malays in Bongawan, who often back leaders based on close emotional and communal ties — a factor he noted his rivals also benefit from.
“I understand the sentiments here. Our community is close-knit and people feel connected to one another,” he said.
“But sentiments alone won’t change Bongawan much.”
“If I must be direct, sentiments don’t put food on our tables. They don’t put money in our pockets or help us become financially independent.
“They don’t give us a better life in Bongawan, and they don’t create opportunities for our children.”
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