Include policies to uplift Orang Asal in manifestos, political parties told

Former federal minister Abdul Rahman Dahlan said while Sabah natives worked hard to preserve their respective groups, there is not much cooperation at the grassroots level between one ethnic group and another. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: A former federal minister has suggested that policies meant to develop and uplift the Orang Asal or natives in Sabah be included in manifestos of political parties.

Abdul Rahman Dahlan said this would help unite all ethnic groups in the state, The Borneo Post reported.

He observed that currently there is “superficial unity” between ethnic groups in Sabah, especially between their respective associations or NGOs.

Rahman, who served as urban wellbeing, housing and local government minister from 2013 to 2016, said with the state elections looming, it would be “wonderful” if contesting parties included an exclusive aspect on the uplifting of Sabah natives.

“Once it is included in their manifestos, the people can hold the political parties to task since it would no longer be just lip service,” he said, adding that the official document of the political party would list their promises and related initiatives.

“I feel this would be the next step in the fight to defend the fate of Sabah natives,” he was quoted as saying.

On the “superficial unity” in the state, the former Kota Belud MP said there was division in each ethnicity in the state, even in the large Kadazan, Dusun, Murut and Rungus communities.

He said while Sabah natives worked hard to preserve their respective groups, there is not much cooperation at the grassroots level between one ethnic group and another.

To make matters worse, the associations and NGOs representing the different ethnic groups were competing for “funding, attention and development”.

And such rivalry among the ethnic groups ultimately would become a competition in the political arena, Rahman said.