He was responding to Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman’s remarks that Barisan Nasional’s Kadazandusun Murut (BN KDM) party leaders should be hailed for their contributions.
Speaking during an election machinery convention by BN component parties PBS, PBRS and Upko on Monday, Musa had praised PBS president Joseph Pairin Kitingan, PBRS president Joseph Kurup, PBS deputy president Maximus Ongkili and Upko acting president Wilfred Madius Tangau as the true fighters for Sabah’s development.
Leiking said Musa was entitled to his opinion on the matter.
“However, we feel that it’s not the politicians who fight for the state but the rakyat who do so each day.
“Politicians are only the people’s representatives and, therefore, their work should not be highlighted.”
Leiking, who is also Penampang MP, said it was the people on the ground who should be praised for their sacrifices.
“If we understand our duty as politicians, we should understand that we don’t need much attention.
“It’s the rakyat who are the heroes, who place their trust in the politicians and the government and gamble with their fate in doing so.”
He said part of what Warisan wanted was for local figures to lead the state, not “political masters” from the peninsula.
“People who live in Sabah, no matter their origin and race, should lead Sabah and guard its interests,” he added.
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