SHARP-contrasting statements what Sabah have and could have become with subtle play of Chinese characters. 為了我們的後袋我們要向錢看 implies being irresponsible, greedy, corrupt. 為了我們的後代我們要向前看 implies being responsible, forward looking, concerned and plan ahead for future generations.
Losing it is easy. Regaining it is a HERCULEAN task. Because of extensive 為了我們的後袋我們要向錢看 malpractices by past leaders, Sabah has lost ownership of the economy since the mid 1980s. Regaining it will be a really tough job. Many of our resources have been depleted and/or have been lost to non-Sabahans without any downstream or economic value chain. This wilful negligence has enriched a few Sabahan elites but has impoverished the majority, have financially benefited numerous non-Sabahans. A cursory examination of Sabah’s resource mismanagement will tell Sabah’s sad tale from wealth to poverty.
There is always a silver lining in every storm. The underperforming GLCs can be likened a huge damaging financial/economic storm. But there are some, unfortunately not many, performing GLCs which are Sabah’s silver linings. Thank God for small blessings. Here are some of them—- [1] Kinabalu Sawit, [2] Cement Industry Sabah, [3] Asean Supply Base [4] Lahad Datu Flour Mill, [5] Nippon Paint. [6] Sabah Soft Wood. [7] KKIP. [8] Sabah Net. [9] Sabah International Petroleum. [10] Angkatan Hebat. [11] Common Tower Technology. [12] Progressive Insurance. [13] Sabah Energy Corporation. [14] Tanjong Aru Resort [STAR] [15] Hyatt International