Political stability takes priority over ministerial picks, says Sabah DCM

KOTA KINABALU (Dec 3): Sabah Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun said the inclusion of Barisan Nasional (BN) in the state Cabinet is not about political selection, but about ensuring stability for the sake of development and the people.

Speaking to reporters at his office, Masidi said the decision, though questioned and even disputed by some quarters, including within Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), was made with the bigger picture in mind.

“It is not really a matter of choosing. This is a question that has often been asked and even disputed, including among GRS members. But in the end, we see political stability as the most important thing.

“Without political stability, the government will always be shaky or constantly trapped in various political uncertainties. We want to focus our attention on developing Sabah and caring for the people. I do not think we can prioritise these aims if the political situation is unstable,” he said.

Masidi said that at times, political leaders must be willing to set aside pride for the greater good of the state.

“Sometimes, we must swallow our pride and look at the bigger picture. To me, that bigger picture is a stable Sabah so that everyone can focus on getting the job done,” he said.

“In my opinion, it would be a waste for us to keep having elections just to determine who is strong or who is not, while the real issues, that is, fixing the problems in Sabah, are conveniently set aside in favour of political pursuits.

“That is not what we want,” he pointed out.

The six-term Karanaan assemblyman stressed that his priority has always been to serve Sabah and its people, not to dwell on political rivalries.

“Personally, I want to serve the state. I want to do my job well. But if we continue to spend too much time on politics, it will be impossible for us to fulfil our responsibility to provide good services to the people,” he said.

“We must determine our priority. For me, our priority is to serve Sabah and to ensure that Sabah moves forward. And for that to happen, sometimes we have to make very difficult decisions but they are the correct decisions,” said Masidi.

Responding to concerns from some party members who may be unhappy with the Cabinet line-up, he said disappointment is normal, particularly when only a limited number of ministerial positions are available.

“Every time after an election, the composition of the Cabinet will not satisfy everyone. Unfortunately, there are only 10 ministries in this Cabinet, 11 including the Chief Minister.

“That means only 10 people can be appointed as ministers, even though the number of talented and qualified individuals is more than that,” the Party GRS Deputy Chairman explained.

He reminded all assemblymen that service to the people does not depend solely on holding a ministerial portfolio.

“We all have different roles to play. Opportunities to serve the people in other positions will always exist and remain open.

“Therefore, we should view every role offered to us as an opportunity to serve the rakyat,” he said.

“Ministerial posts and positions are, in truth, a matter of fortune and destiny. If we are not selected, it is not because we are not qualified, it is simply because there are only 10 slots.

“I understand the disappointment, that is natural. But if our main priority is to serve the people, then title and position are not the most important things,” he said.

Masidi also shared a personal reflection as a Muslim, saying political labels will ultimately be irrelevant in the eyes of God.

“As a Muslim, in the hereafter, I do not think we will be asked what party we belonged to or which party we helped. We will be accountable for what we did in this world.

“I want to be able to say that I helped those who needed assistance without asking which party they came from. That should be our overriding consideration,” he stressed.

On dissatisfaction voiced by some GRS leaders even before the Cabinet was announced, Masidi said he believes the matter has largely been resolved.

“I understand their disappointment and I have spoken to them. But I hope they will see the bigger picture,” he said.

“The bigger picture is a united Sabah. The bigger picture is how everyone can work together for the betterment of Sabah.

“At the end of the day, you will be evaluated based on what you have done for the state and the people, not what you have done for your party,” he added.

Asked if underperforming ministers could be replaced, Masidi said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor had already made expectations clear during the first Cabinet meeting.

“The Right Honourable Chief Minister has stated that all of us are here to work hard and to ensure that the performance of our respective ministries is maintained at a high level,” he said.

“All ministers have been instructed to make sure that their ministries and the departments under them are functioning effectively, and to make improvements where necessary,” said Masidi.