Sepanggar Warisan’s deputy chief, Ahmad Jais Otong, described Johari’s comments as “shallow and insulting”, saying it ignored decades of “systemic neglect” and the siphoning of Sabah’s natural wealth by the federal government.

Jais, who is Warisan’s candidate for the Karambunai seat in the Nov 29 state election, said Johari’s stance that “those who are hardworking can succeed”, seemingly blamed the people of Sabah for poverty created by federal policies.

He highlighted several persistent issues facing the state, including dilapidated roads, inadequate schools, unsafe and unclean water, frequent power outages, limited job opportunities, and low wages.

“Young people in Sabah cannot climb the ladder of success because the ladder itself has been sawed down by Putrajaya,” he was quoted as saying by Jesselton Times.

“Johari comes to Sabah, praises our mountains, seas, and culture, but deliberately keeps silent on how Sabah’s wealth was siphoned off every year by the federal government.”

At a campaign stop for Pakatan Harapan in Putatan yesterday, Johari acknowledged that many Sabah youths start from an uneven playing field, but stressed that they still have the chance to succeed.

“No one in Malaysia is denied opportunity. If you are hardworking and brave in taking action, there are no barriers in life,” he said, reported Malaysiakini.