BEAUFORT: Mohd Sahlan Mohd Thaufick, head of United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) Beaufort Youth, has questioned the timing and consistency of Likas State Assemblyman Tham Yun Fook’s recent calls for principle and consistency in the struggle for Sabah.
Speaking on behalf of UPKO, Mohd Sahlan asked where Tham had been before he was elected, and urged the public to consider how active he was on issues such as the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) prior to becoming an ADUN.
“Today he is quick to question the struggles and commitment of others,” Mohd Sahlan said. “But before becoming an ADUN, how many statements did he make on MA63? How many times did he speak up for Sabah’s rights? What efforts did he undertake to champion state autonomy and the interests of Sabah?”
He contrasted Tham’s record with that of ordinary citizens and teachers in Sabah who, he said, had spoken up for the state’s rights without holding political office.
Mohd Sahlan also defended Datuk Ewon Benedick’s record, noting that Ewon resigned from his federal ministerial post over a disagreement with a federal decision, an action he described as evidence of principle rather than rhetoric.
“How many leaders are willing to relinquish a ministerial post for the sake of their principles?” he asked.
“It is easy to talk about principles when one is outside the government. But when someone is prepared to sacrifice position and power to uphold their convictions, that is the true test of principle.”
He further criticised what he described as double standards, pointing out that the President of Warisan had served for many years in the Federal Government as a senior minister.
Mohd Sahlan said the same yardstick should be applied to all political figures: if Datuk Ewon’s record is open to scrutiny, so too should the record of Warisan’s president on MA63, Sabah autonomy and state rights while in Putrajaya.
“One should not use one standard to judge others and another to judge oneself,” he said, adding that Ewon did not need slogans to demonstrate his commitment because his record was publicly available.
Mohd Sahlan suggested that some politicians only became vocal about Sabah’s future after obtaining political office, and said voters were capable of distinguishing between long-term activists and those who found their voice only after entering politics.
He also defended UPKO’s decision to join Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), saying the move was intended to strengthen unity and cooperation among Sabah-based parties.
“Sabah’s future cannot be built on endless political divisions. It requires unity, mutual understanding and the strength of local parties capable of speaking with one voice for the benefit of the people,” he said.
“If we are all truly fighting for Sabah, efforts to unite local parties should be welcomed rather than questioned.”
Mohd Sahlan concluded that political fragmentation did not benefit the people of Sabah, who instead stood to gain from leaders and local parties working together to defend state rights, bolster the economy and secure a better future for the next generation.
“Before questioning the principles of others, one should first reflect on one’s own record,” he added.-pr/BNN
