Sabah Local Parties urged to unite

3 January 2026

PENAMPANG: Moyog State Assemblyman Datuk Donald Mojuntin has called on leaders of Sabah’s local political parties to set aside differences and unite in order to safeguard the state’s rights and determine its own future.

Speaking during a Christmas and New Year gathering, at Kg Ramayah Community Hall, Donald said the recent 17th Sabah State Election marked a historic moment for the state, reflecting the people’s strong desire for a Sabah-led government driven by local parties.

“The election results were not merely numbers on paper,” he said. “They were a clear signal from the people of Sabah that a government led by local parties is possible if we are willing to unite.”

In his address, during the event which also coincide with the official opening of Kg. Ramayah Tamu Desa, Donald stressed that while cooperation with national parties remains important, Sabahans no longer want external influence that undermines the voice of the local people.

“Sabah belongs to us. Our future must be decided by ourselves,” he emphasised, adding that the people had clearly expressed fatigue with outside interference.

Reflecting on the festive season, Donald said Christmas serves as a reminder of love, forgiveness and renewal, while the New Year offers an opportunity for reflection on identity, direction and legacy. He expressed gratitude to God for strength and protection, and thanked party members and grassroots supporters for their sacrifices and dedication, which he said had translated into public trust and electoral success.

Acknowledging that the historic opportunity to fully realise a local-party-led government has yet to be maximised due to the need for political stability and the passage of the 2026 Budget, Donald expressed confidence that the opportunity had not been lost.

“The chance we missed is not gone forever,” he said.

Looking ahead, Donald urged local party leaders to show humility, abandon old grudges and prioritise Sabah above personal or party interests. Drawing inspiration from Sarawak’s political unity, he said Sabah could achieve the same if its leaders were willing to work together.

He proposed that 2026 be a year of healing and reconciliation, calling for all local party leaders to sit at the same table and begin sincere and honest discussions.

With the next national general election expected no later than February 2028, Donald said Sabah must face it as a united state, ready to send 25 Members of Parliament from strong, principled local parties to defend Sabah’s rights in the Dewan Rakyat.

“Only through unity can we reclaim our constitutional rights and shape Sabah’s future according to our own vision,” he said.

Also present during the event Penampang Member of Parliament Datuk Ewon Benedick who is also the Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport, United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation ( UPKO) stalwarts, Kadazandusun Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Datuk Ladislaus Maluda, Datuk Nelson Mandela Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister 's Department and Datuk Thomas Logijin Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport,, among many others.