KOTA KINABALU: StarSabah Deputy Information Chief Ardino Diris has firmly rebutted Sabah Umno Chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin’s claim regarding the party’s 2018 decision, asserting that Bung’s remarks reek of political hypocrisy and selective memory.
“If Bung is questioning our decision in 2018, perhaps he should first ask why Umno – a peninsula-based party – even contested in Sabah under the ‘Sabah for Sabahans’ banner. Let’s not pretend that Barisan Nasional, led by Umno at the time, wasn’t already deeply entrenched in Sabah’s politics,” said Ardino in a statement today.
He reminded that the 2018 post-election scenario was a political deadlock – with both BN and Warisan-Pakatan having 29 seats – and StarSabah held the balance of power.
“In making that decision, we were looking at stability and governance, not empty slogans. Warisan, despite calling itself a local party, was aligning with peninsula-based Pakatan Harapan. So, where was the real ‘Sabah for Sabahans’ then?” he countered.
Ardino also stressed that political decisions must be made in the context of Sabah’s long-term autonomy.
“For Bung to talk about loyalty to Sabah is ironic, coming from someone who had no qualms about switching positions and alliances when convenient. Don’t lecture us about Sabah’s dignity when your own political history is riddled with contradictions,” he said.
He added that StarSabah’s struggle has been consistent, to empower Sabah through legal, constitutional, and political means, not just populist slogans during elections.
“If Bung wants a debate, we welcome it, not on social media, but in front of the Sabah people. Let’s talk about real issues: MA63, oil royalties and restoring Sabah’s rights, not petty politics and character attacks,” said Ardino.-pr/BNN
