"Our common ground is Sabah, and we all talk about fighting for the state. However, on closer scrutiny, most political parties here remain factional and represent their respective groups.

"We cannot label someone as belonging to this group or that group, as that has been among Sabah's problems to this day," he told reporters after officiating at the 2026 Parti Warisan Wanita, Wira and Wirawati annual general meeting and elections here today.

Leiking said Sabah could take a leaf out of Sarawak’s book, which has successfully made state unity and shared interests the foundation for driving progress.

He noted that Sarawak, which also comprises a multiethnic society, has demonstrated progress in state governance and development, including acquiring an airline and exporting semiconductors to China.

"In Sabah, we are still plagued by issues of water and electricity supply, potholes and so on, because we allow ourselves to be divided by political leaders," he said.

In this regard, Leiking stressed the need to shift away from race-based and regional politics towards an approach that fosters trust and strengthens solidarity among all Sabahans.

-- BERNAMA