Sabah Umno hits back at STAR leader over ‘narrow politics’

Sabah Umno hits back at STAR leader over ‘narrow politics’

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Umno has criticised Sabah STAR information chief Anuar Ghani for promoting what it calls a narrow and divisive political narrative that undermines the state’s progress and stability.

Sabah Umno assistant secretary Alfian Sambas said Anuar’s recent comments, which framed collaboration between Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), Barisan Nasional, and Pakatan Harapan as political interference, ignore the state’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with the federal government.

“Anuar is clinging to an old, divisive mindset that paints Sabah as a perpetual victim, instead of recognising the significant progress made under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),” Alfian said in a statement on Sunday (May 18).

Anuar strongly opposed the push by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for closer political alignment between GRS, Barisan, and Pakatan, arguing that it undermines Sabah’s democratic rights and violates the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

He also criticised the RM600mil interim special grant announced by the Prime Minister as inadequate, claiming it represents only a fraction of Sabah’s rightful 40% revenue share under the Federal Constitution.

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He also dismissed Anuar’s claim that the RM600mil recently announced by Anwar is a mere “political sweetener,” describing it as a carefully calculated fiscal commitment based on technical assessments and constitutional guidelines.

“If Anuar truly understood the Federal Constitution, particularly Article 112C and Schedule 10, he would know that Sabah’s financial entitlements cannot be determined through populist rhetoric but through structured negotiations,” Alfian said.

He also criticised Anuar for pushing the idea that Sabah should only be led by local parties, calling it a backwards approach that risks isolating the state from broader national development.

Alfian further accused Anuar of inciting suspicion towards the federal government, describing his rhetoric as outdated and divisive. He also questioned Anuar’s political legacy, contrasting his words with the substantial contributions of past Sabah leaders like Tun Fuad Stephens and Tan Sri Kasitah Gaddam.

“Sabah’s rights are not a platform for building political careers with empty rhetoric. If Anuar genuinely wants to fight for Sabah, he should focus on mature negotiations and constructive leadership, not on stoking anti-federal sentiments that lead nowhere,” he added.