Letter to editor
ANOTHER day, another self-declared spokesperson claiming to speak on behalf of “all Sabahans”.
This time, it’s over the possible extension of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki’s tenure. Apparently, Sabahans are “outraged” and “demanding answers”.
Really? Did I miss the referendum as a born and bred Sabahan?
Let’s be honest – unless there was a statewide poll conducted with a 100% response rate – this sort of sweeping declaration is nothing but noise. Sabahans are not a monolith; we certainly didn’t elect a random NGO (as in the Sabah Entitlement and Equity Now or SEEN) to be our emotional megaphone.
Here’s a wild idea: maybe – just maybe – we care more right now about actual bread-and-butter issues. Like whether our salaries can still feed our families next month. Like the ripple effect of the US tariffs on our already fragile economy.
‘Empty vessel effect’
But no. Somewhere in a media release drafted with self-righteous indignation, someone decided this was the hill Sabahans were collectively dying on: whether a civil servant in Putrajaya gets a six-month extension.
Let’s get real. If we start replacing bureaucrats based on vibes and popularity, we might as well hold elections every six months for secretary-generals, directors-general and department heads.
Why stop there? Let’s throw in the postmen and fisheries officers too – surely someone has a complaint.
This isn’t a defence of any one person. It’s a defence of basic governance logic. Investigations – whether fast, slow or politically inconvenient – don’t get shortcut just because someone’s feelings get hurt.
And if you really want to talk about corruption, focus on the facts – not personalities. If there’s strong evidence, let the process take its course. But don’t hijack the narrative and pretend that dragging one person out of office is a magic fix for everything.
But of course, that’s too nuanced. Easier to find a lightning rod, slap a press quote together and hope it makes headlines. Mission accomplished. Especially if the motives are shrouded in politics.
One controversy too many
Let’s be clear: most Sabahans are tired. Tired of seeing every minor controversy inflated into a full-blown scandal with what appears to be attempt to seize power. There’s always a new “outrage” to cook up but it rarely translates to anything that improves our daily lives.
For now, we have a government in Sabah that — while not perfect — has at least made genuine efforts to fix long-standing issues, from infrastructure to rural development.
But instead of supporting what works, some would rather burn the house down for political gain, all while pretending they’re doing it in the name of the people.
Some of us are juggling second jobs, checking the price of rice and wondering how we got dragged into a drama we didn’t sign up for.
So no – please don’t speak for us. You don’t represent us and your media statements certainly don’t reflect the full picture
We’re not outraged about who sits in the MACC hot seat. We’re outraged about how hard it is to stay afloat while some politicians and activists treat our livelihoods like background noise.
If you want to help Sabah, start with that. Until then, kindly keep the blanket statements to yourself. – April 8, 2025
Raymond Ladin
Sandakan
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
