To win in Sabah, PM must compromise
By Free Malaysia Today
KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak may not be able to solve all of Sabah’s problems with the federal government.
But at least he should compromise and tackle the most pressing issue: appointing Sabahans to top federal posts in the civil service here.
By doing this, said Sepanggar MP Eric Majimbun, Najib could restore Sabah’s pride. Most importantly, he added, the move should be taken in view of the impending general election.
“How long more is the federal government going to deny Sabahans top posts in the civil service?” he asked.
“We have so many experienced and qualified Sabahans, but all the top posts are held by officers from the Peninsula… it’s as if Sabahans are lesser mortals than officers from the Peninsula.
“For the record, Sabahans are high achievers too and the state has its own skilled and specialised human resources, which are recognised and acknowledged globally.
“Why do you think Sabahans leave to work as specialists in countries like the US, Singapore, Australia, which readily acknowledges their skills and ability?
“It is because this country is not focusing on their capability and worth.”
Iron-tight grip
Majimbum joins a chorus of comments urging the federal government to relinquish its iron-tight grip on civil service positions.
Last week, local dailies quoted former Tuaran Umno division chief Sulaiman Shari as saying that the federal government should appoint Sabahans as heads of departments here. He urged Putrajaya to review its policy on civil service appointments.
Majimbun said it was commonsense to allow capable Sabahans to helm the highest positions in federal departments here.
