I sent Dr Jeffrey Kitingan this short note after reading his May 12 statement:

“Bravo, Dr J. Well-articulated views. Continue speaking up for Sabah. My salute!”

This was after Jeffrey refuted Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s claim that slogans like “Sabah for Sabahans” are unconstitutional and could incite instability.

The Sabah deputy chief minister has always been vocal when it comes to Sabah’s rights, particularly those stipulated in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

I am proud to call Jeffrey a personal friend and even prouder to have known how consistent he has been in his long struggle for a better homeland for his fellow Sabahans.

I am also grateful that Jeffrey has also supported me and my work in a Sarawak-based NGO.

At times, he has also advised me on the best ways to handle state-federal ties, especially over MA63 differences with certain quarters in Malaya.

I suppose we, Sabahans and Sarawakians, have to support each other and work together for we share common nation-building aspirations and issues in this federation we call Malaysia.

Jeffrey and I understand what we have to do as East Malaysians whenever we face unfriendly or uncomfortable situations with “outsiders.”

I will not forget this line of our common goal and important link which the Sabah DCM has often repeated.

“We (Sabah and Sarawak) went in together; we will get out together”. No one can articulate this special bond between these two Borneo neighbors than Jeffrey.

In the latest episode, Jeffrey’s defense of the “Sabah for Sabahans” slogan is significant as it underscores the ongoing struggle for equitable recognition and autonomy for Sabah within the federation of Malaysia.

His stance challenges federal narratives and highlights long-standing grievances regarding Sabah’s political and economic marginalization.

Similarly, if anyone has a problem with the “Sarawak for Sarawakians” slogan, I would ask them to understand, like Jeffrey has argued, that such slogans are expressions of regional pride and a call for the rightful autonomy promised under MA63, not acts of sedition.

I have no intention to be impolite but I would earnestly urge those who just refuse to understand nor accept the hopes and aspirations of Sabahans and Sarawakians to be careful with their language.

And please get rid of your condescending behavior on the negotiating table. We despise that, if you must know.

Zahid’s confrontational stance may only deepen distrust and further weaken Umno’s already tenuous footing in Sabah.

Oh yes, I strongly support Jeffery’s emphasis that threatening Sabahans for using slogans like “Sabah for Sabahans” constitutes an abuse of authority and contradicts democratic principles.

His defense of the slogan is a call for honoring the commitments made during the formation of Malaysia, ensuring equitable treatment and recognizing Sabah’s unique identity and rights within the federation.

Perhaps DPM Zahid should also understand that his criticism of the “Sabah for Sabahans” slogan is politically risky and potentially alienating for both Sabahans and Sarawakians.

As a national leader, his comments should be grounded in inclusivity and a sincere understanding of the sentiments of East Malaysians.

By dismissing the slogan as unconstitutional or seditious, Zahid risks being seen as out of touch with longstanding grievances, reinforcing perceptions that West Malaysian leaders do not understand or care about East Malaysian concerns.

The Madani government, led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, brands itself as progressive, inclusive, and reform-oriented.

Zahid’s hardline stance directly contradicts this image. Instead of fostering unity, it amplifies division and alienates key voter blocs in Sabah and Sarawak, where the government critically depends on regional support.

A truly inclusive national leader should embrace regional pride, not suppress it.

It is no secret that Umno and its allies are already on fragile ground in East Malaysia, where regional parties like Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) dominate.

Zahid’s remarks can erode his party’s support among Sabahans in particular as Umno does not have a presence in Sarawak. Ultimately, this will lead to strained relations between Putrajaya and Sabah/Sarawak governments.

I think that the Umno president should reframe his position—not as a federal overlord defending centralized power, but as a national leader engaging in good faith with diverse regional aspirations.

By listening, showing respect and working to fulfill the promises of MA63, he would strengthen national unity and bolster the credibility of the Madani government.

Otherwise, his confrontational stance may only deepen distrust and further weaken Umno’s already tenuous footing in Sabah.

Perhaps, the coming Sabah election will serve as the best gauge of where Umno stands today in the beautiful Land Below the Wind.

The next polls must be held by December this year.

Seriously, I do not expect Umno to perform any better than the previous polls.

Zahid and his Umno cohorts will do well to pay serious attention to the prevailing mood of Sabah voters.

(Francis Paul Siah is a veteran Sarawak editor and currently heads the Movement for Change Sarawak, MoCS. He can be reached at [email protected].)