KOTA KINABALU, Dec 23 — The Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Sabah’s political autonomy, calling for all 73 state seats to be contested by Sabah-based parties.

SAPP’s information chief, Chin Vui Kai, emphasized that local parties aligned with national coalitions face limitations in fully advocating for Sabah’s rights. He urged for unity among Sabah-based parties to contest all seats and called on non-Sabah parties to respect the region’s autonomy by refraining from contesting, similar to the approach taken by Perikatan Nasional and Barisan Nasional in the recent Sarawak state elections.

Chin stressed that only by ensuring local parties are in control can Sabah’s government be free from external interference and uphold its dignity.