Pairin said voters must keep in mind the need to protect Sabah and its future, as well as the safety and development of the future generation, Bernama reported.

“They must prefer and make up their mind to support and vote for candidates representing local political parties which clearly are geared, ready and prepared to fight for Sabah and its future and do not have any hidden agenda that may be a disadvantage to Sabah and its future generation,” he said in a statement.

Pairin, who is Huguan Siou or paramount leader of the Kadazan Dusun community, founded Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) in 1985 and was chief minister from April 1985 to March 1994.

He said that, after the elections, the 25 MPs elected from Sabah must speak with one voice and direction to protect the state’s rights, interests and sovereignty.

All MPs and political parties in the state must stand and deliver together as brothers and sisters, he said.

“The people’s focus must be to emphasise and protect Sabah’s rights and interests through the voices of the 25 seats, 26 if you include Labuan,” he said.

Political leaders should emulate the Sarawak model and consider a unified approach seriously.

He said the word from the ground was that voters preferred to elect local parties which have a greater interest to protect Sabah’s rights and interests “rather than parties from outside which have other agendas and are not focussed on Sabah’s rights”.