KOTA KINABALU: Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) Information Chief Jalumin Bayogoh believes the explanation by Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajij Masidi Manjun’s on Sabah’s financial rights should settle the issue as it underlined the GRS government’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding Sabah’s constitutional rights.
“His definitive tone is crucial in combating Warisan’s constant misinformation. He has effectively cleared any confusion, preventing Warisan’s deceit from clouding the judgement of Sabah’s people,” he said.
Jalumin points to the stark contrast between the Warisan and GRS governments in their financial negotiations with the federal government on behalf of Sabah.
“Warisan hastily agreed to accept the paltry annual payments proposed by Mahathir’s government during their term, while the current GRS government stands firm during their negotiations with the federal government.
“Warisan celebrated the laughable pittance they gained from the federal, but scorned when GRS secured a more substantial amount with an annual increment while continuing to advocate for a fairer deal reflective of Sabah’s worth,” he said.
However, Jalumin expresses concern that Warisan’s attempts to manipulate public sentiment may continue, despite the minister’s robust rebuttal.
“Warisan seems to have made spreading false narratives their specialty. They skilfully utilise social media to push their agenda, which presents a danger to the people of Sabah.
“Their lies and slanders may seem appealing, but they are harmful to the truth. Like a poison in a drink that always smells sweet but will kill the drinker. We must caution the public against such deception, as it can cause significant harm,” he warned.
Jalumin also pointed out that Warisan’s claims about restoring rights to Sabah warrant closer scrutiny.
For months, he said Warisan’s leaders have been claiming that they successfully regained 17 or 21 rights under negotiation for Sabah.
“Yet, when pressed for details, they remain evasive. In fact, when challenged openly for a debate, suddenly Warisan’s president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal admitted that none of these purported achievements were actually finalised. They were merely verbal agreements.
“Moreover, the precise nature of these supposed ‘rights’ they have reclaimed remains unclear, as they rarely disclose specifics. Yet again, Warisan has been exposed, with their inflated claims unravelling under the weight of factual scrutiny,” he said.
On the other hand, Jalumin said the GRS government remains dedicated to the welfare of the state and its people, and will never concede Sabah’s constitutional rights.
“Let’s back a government that respects us, listens to us, and is committed to the rule of law, as Masidi has shown,” he said.
