Sabah DAP MP Datuk Chan Foong Hin has warned against framing politics as a battle between “local” and “national” parties ahead of the 17th state election, calling it a misleading and divisive narrative.

He said leaders in national parties like DAP and PKR are also Sabahans who have consistently championed local issues and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

Chan stressed that the real issue isn't party labels, but delivery and effective governance. He warned that slogans like “Sabah for Sabahans” could divide communities and distract from real solutions.

Highlighting progress under the current state government, he noted that 13 MA63 issues have been resolved, with four major ones still pending federal negotiations — something no party can achieve alone without federal cooperation.

He also reminded voters that while Sarawak appears more vocal in claiming federal wins, Sabah has quietly maintained significant rights, like control over its ports.

Chan concluded by saying Sabah’s future depends on performance, not rhetoric: “What matters is who gets the job done.”