KOTA KINABALU : The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) today issued its sternest statement to date, strongly condemning the series of political remarks and actions that insult Sabah’s dignity and undermine national unity. LDP President Datuk Chin Su Phin formally calls upon the Sabah State Government to immediately impose a complete ban on UMNO Youth Chief and Merlimau State Assemblyman, Datuk Dr. Muhamad Akmal Saleh, from entering Sabah.
Sabah is founded upon the principles of diversity, harmony, and mutual respect. The state will never tolerate political extremism, federal indifference, or any form of manipulation of public sentiment that threatens its social fabric. The people of Sabah have the right to peace and dignity, and any individual who repeatedly provokes division shall not be allowed to sow discord on Sabah’s soil.
The LDP President commends the Prime Minister’s resolute leadership in addressing the Zara Qairina case and Akmal’s provocative actions surrounding the national flag. The Prime Minister has made it clear that government officials, police, and forensic agencies must act decisively and fearlessly in the face of disinformation and political incitement. Anyone who exploits national tragedies or patriotic sentiment for political gain must be held accountable under the law. This is the only way to restore public trust and safeguard justice.
In the case of Zara Qairina, the people of Sabah, especially the grieving family, deserve a transparent, fair, and professional investigation and explanation, rather than political fatigue or emotional manipulation. Akmal’s repeated inflammatory rhetoric has made him a symbol of political extremism. His attempt to instrumentalize national symbols for partisan interests only deepens national tensions. Datuk Chin fully supports the Prime Minister’s firm stance and calls on all enforcement bodies and relevant agencies to carry out their duties with courage, free from intimidation or bias.
In light of Akmal’s actions, which have gravely endangered both national cohesion and Sabah’s social harmony, Datuk Chin urges the Sabah State Government, led by the Chief Minister, to exercise its constitutional authority and immediately prohibit Akmal from entering the state. This measure is not only a firm response to his personal conduct but also a clear warning to other potential imitators. Sabah will never be reduced to a political stage, nor will it allow external provocateurs to compromise its peace and dignity.
The LDP President, Datuk Chin also expresses grave concern over the recent “Justice for Zara Qairina Rally” held in Peninsular Malaysia. Although the rally was initially branded as a call for unity and peace, the event was quickly politicized by the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS). Leaders, including Selangor PAS Youth Chief Sukri Omar, used the platform to voice political demands unrelated to the tragedy, exposing a deliberate agenda of political exploitation. The involvement of PAS’s Unit Amal in coordinating the event further demonstrated the party’s intent to manipulate public sentiment.
More troubling was the appearance of businessman Albert Tei, who is currently facing corruption charges in Sabah. At the rally, he made statements unrelated to the Zara case, seemingly to garner political sympathy and undermine the GRS-led Sabah Government, which is currently taking legal action against him. This opportunistic behavior not only tainted the solemn purpose of the gathering but also revealed the calculated political motives behind it.
Datuk Chin makes its position crystal clear: transforming platforms of grief and justice into political tools is unacceptable. Such behavior is a disservice to the victim, the family, and society at large. Whether such manipulation originates from opposition parties, public officials, or businessmen with vested interests, Sabah will categorically reject it.
“We have exercised patience for too long, until the situation has spiraled out of control,” said LDP President Chin Su Phin. “But enough is enough. The harmony of Sabah is not a bargaining chip. Those who attempt to exploit public sentiment for political gain will face our strongest resistance.”
Chin further emphasized: “One truth must be made clear. Sabah’s future will only be decided by Sabahans themselves. It will not be dictated by noise, manipulation, or opportunism, but by principles and a clear direction. We will not be intimidated, nor will we allow national figures or political operatives to use Sabah as a stage for theatrics or image rehabilitation. Our principles are non-negotiable, and our stance is absolute.”
Datuk Chin reiterates that any investigation into the Zara Qairina case must be handled by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and its forensic task force, ensuring transparency, fairness, and professionalism. Only through proper judicial channels can the truth be uncovered, never through trial by public opinion.
Sabah is not a breeding ground for extremism, not a theatre for political drama, and not a land that can be bullied.
“This is not a contest of popularity, but a test of integrity,” Datuk Chin stressed. “Sabah has a red line, and we will never retreat from it.”
The Liberal Democratic Party remains steadfast in defending Sabah’s autonomy, the dignity of its people, and Malaysia’s core values of moderation, justice, and unity.-pr/BNN
