SAPP’s Henley Liew cites Sarawak’s, Singapore’s successes as proof local-focused leadership vital
by Nancy Lai · Borneo Post OnlineSANDAKAN (Nov 27): Sabah requires competent, local-focussed leadership to mirror the resource-driven success of Sarawak and visionary transformation of Singapore, said Henley Liew Yun Ye.
During a campaign event at the Sim Sim Low Cost Housing area on Wednesday night, the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Tanjong Papat candidate argued that Sabah’s development has been hampered not by a lack of resources, but by a consistent deficit in effective governance.
“Look at our neighbours — Sarawak thrives due to great leadership managing its resources. Singapore has no natural resources and was poor in 1965, yet became successful because of great and competent leaders,” he said.
Applying this lesson to Sabah, he outlined a stark contrast, noting that while many political parties have governed Sabah and vast natural resources have been utilised, the state has not reached the same level of development as its peers.
“The common denominator in our story is leadership,” Liew stated.
“We have had the parties and we have had the resources, but we have lacked the consistent, competent, and local-focused leadership to channel them for the people’s benefit. That is what we are committed to changing.”
He appealed to voters to prioritise ability and local representation at the ballot box.
“The voters of Tanjong Papat must vote for the best candidate — a local leader from a local party with the competency and ability to deliver real results for Sandakan,” he said.
Those present reflected Sandakan’s diverse demographic, comprising a strong mix of Chinese, Malay, and Kadazan/Dusun/Murut communities.