Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah secretary-general Razali Razi said certain parties vying in the state polls have become especially outspoken on Sabah’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) now that the elections are near.

However, the Darau candidate said their words now do not match their actions when they were in power, whether at the federal or state levels.

“Only now that elections are near do we hear (these) people screaming about Sabah’s rights and MA63. But when they were in power, what did they do about it?” he said in an interview with FMT.

“Don’t be hypocrites. When you used to be among the policymakers at the federal level, why didn’t you champion these things then?

“The Hajiji Noor administration’s gentle yet firm approach has borne fruit. We no longer need to be banging on tables (in negotiating with Putrajaya). Having been in politics for 30 years, Hajiji knows the best way to achieve things amicably.”

Razali urged all parties contesting in the Nov 29 state election not to stir up sentiments that could instigate Sabahans against Peninsular Malaysia purely for votes, saying divisive politics will keep Sabah from progressing.

He added that such notions of exclusivity would create negative sentiments towards the West Malaysians serving in Sabah, such as doctors and teachers.

“Stop labelling others. Stop playing up sentiments that it’s Sabah versus Peninsular Malaysia. When teachers come over here to teach, I see them as teachers, not West Malaysians. At the height of Covid-19, doctors came here to help us.

“Let’s not forget the contributions of our friends from the peninsula in developing this state. We need good ties with the federal government for stability and progress.”

Razali also said that as long as Sabah’s leaders do not unite, slogans such as “Save Sabah” would not do any good for the people.

“If you truly want to save Sabah, we must do it together, and not just by chanting slogans. Look back at what you’ve done before this for Sabah,” he added.