Peter Mak
KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Vice President Datuk Peter Mak has called on the people of Sabah to unite in support of greater state autonomy, warning that inaction may risk the state falling into development stagnation as claimed by some quarters as what is happening in Labuan.
Speaking at the PBS Api-Api, Luyang and Likas joint Annual General Meeting held at Hakka Hall here, Mak who is also Labuan PBS Division Chief emphasised that meaningful development in Sabah can only be achieved when the state regains full control over its governance and affairs.
“Only Sabah’s leaders and government truly understand the challenges faced by our grassroots communities. I am speaking from my personal experience as the Division Chief of PBS Labuan for many years” he said.
“We know what infrastructure is needed and are committed to elevating Sabah to be on par with the more developed states in Malaysia.”
Mak stressed that this call for autonomy should not be misinterpreted as opposition to the Federal Government. Instead, he stated, it is a necessary move toward ensuring that development in Sabah is driven by local priorities, not blanket national policies.
“Policies crafted across the sea often miss the mark when applied to Sabah. Our unique socio-economic and geographic realities require targeted, research-based approaches that can effectively address local issues,” he explained.
Mak also urged Sabahans to show solidarity in the upcoming state election by supporting Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), which he said represents a strong and unified local voice capable of championing the full implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“This election is critical. We need a strong state government—one that is grounded in the will of the people and prepared to demand what is rightfully ours under MA63,” he said.
“It’s time for Sabah to reclaim its rights. The recognition of our autonomy is not merely a legal matter—it is the key to unlocking our true development potential.”
