KOTA KINABALU: Thousands of Sabahans are forced to migrate to Peninsular Malaysia and abroad to seek employment due to the economic shortcomings in the state.
Disclosing this yesterday, Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Youth chief Edward Dagul said these local youths have no choice but to seek employment elsewhere. Over 60,000 Sabahan youths have been listed as jobless, and most of them have gone to West Malaysia or other countries to work.
“And what saddens us more is that they become homeless after failing to secure jobs. And some of them have to depend on the assistance from non-governmental organisations for food and sleep by the roadside as they have no place to go,” he said during the SAPP Kota Kinabalu Youth Convention held in Likas over the weekend.
Also present were SAPP president Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee, deputy presidents Datuk Eric Majimbun and Datuk Liew Teck Chan, secretary general Datuk Richard Yong, treasurer Dullie Marie, Wanita chief cum Luyang assemblywoman Melanie Chia, SAPP Youth vice chief Jamain Sarudin and SAPP Youth chiefs for Constituency Liaison Committees (CLC) of Api-Api, Kepayan, Moyog, Petagas, Tanjung Aru, Inanam, Karambunai, Luyang and Likas.
Edward added that the state government had once set up a committee to investigate the issues pertaining to homeless Sabahan youths in Peninsular Malaysia.
“However, to date, no action had been taken to overcome the problem, and what is worse is that more people are becoming victims.
On politics, Edward said the Sabah Barisan Nasional is worried about SAPP which never fails to fight for the good of the people in the state.
“For instance, SAPP flags were asked to be taken down but the authorities never questioned the BN and Umno flags which were put up along the Putatan road.
“BN is beginning to realise SAPP’s strength, and believes it would be able to topple the ruling party in the coming 13th general election,” he said.
Edward promised that whatever problems affecting the BN administration will be fixed when SAPP takes over the helm after toppling the ruling government in the coming elections.