By Mu Vitet
KOTA KINABALU: Veteran Sabah politician Datuk David Chong Ket Sui has urged voters, especially those in Chinese-majority constituencies, to carefully assess all parties and candidates in tomorrow’s 17th Sabah polls.
He said it is important for the community to support Chinese candidates who understand Chinese culture, heritage, education, and business matters.
Chong also highlighted growing concerns over restrictions on Chinese culture, signage, language use, and cultural symbols in Peninsular Malaysia.
He urged Sabah’s Chinese community to back parties that continue to defend the Chinese language, culture, as well as vernacular and independent schools.
Chong noted that over the past five years, there has been no truly local Chinese representative in the State Legislative Assembly.
Although the total number of seats increased from 60 to 73, the number of Chinese-majority seats dropped from 10 to eight, which he said reflects the community’s declining political influence.
He stressed that Sabah needs strong Chinese representation in the government and emphasised that voters must choose leaders who can speak up for the community.
Chong said the Chinese community once played an important role as a kingmaker in Sabah politics, but this influence has weakened due to demographic changes and the lack of strong political voices.
He urged voters to unite behind parties that prioritise Chinese community interests.
