KOTA KINABALU: Political parties contesting in the 15th General Election (GE15) in Sabah should be guided by voices from the grassroots.
Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) premier advisor Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan said from what has been gathered so far, the grassroots have conveyed that in this parliamentary elections there is a preference for local parties rather than outside parties.
This is to protect Sabah's rights and interests, he said
"They say 'enough is enough', so who will make the decisions in this parliamentary election? Of course, it is the people.
"They are the voters and it would be their responsibility to decide properly," he said in a statement on his latest thoughts ahead of GE15.
"Another very important guidance is to avoid the influence of monetary or material political baits. These incidents have happened before in elections.
The Sabah former chief minister, who helmed the PBS-led state government from 1985 to 1994, said the Sabah members of parliament must act in one voice and direction to protect Sabah rights and interests like their Sarawak counterparts.
"Our leaders have been saying that they will work closely with Sarawak. Let us consider this unified approach seriously so our thoughts can be turned into active and positive action."
The candidates must also be fair to the future development of the state and younger generation, who will in turn vote for candidates representing local political parties that are prepared to fight for Sabah and its future without any hidden agenda, he said.
Therefore, he said the registered voters have a very important responsibility to vote for the right person or political party to decide Sabah's future.
"Let us hope and pray that all members of parliament elected from Sabah will defend and protect Sabah's rights, interest, sovereignty and its future when they appear and represent Sabah in Parliament," said Pairin.
He added Sabah's rights and interests within the Malaysia Agreement 1963 relied on the voices of the 25 seats from elected parliamentarians from Sabah in Parliament.