KOTA KINABALU: After 50 years, it is high time that Sabahans hold top posts in the federal departments and agencies in the state, said Sabah DAP secretary Dr Edwin Bosi.
He lamented that many Sabahans, especially those from the non-Muslim community, feel that they have been sidelined and marginalised in promotion in the civil service.
The Kepayan assemblyman was commenting on the statement made by Chief Secretary to the Government, Dr Ali Hamsa, that more Sabahans would be appointed to top posts in federal departments and agencies.
Bosi said that more Sabahans should be given the opportunity to hold senior posts at the federal ministerial level in Putrajaya.
After 50 years in Malaysia, he said thousands of Sabahans have received and gone through the Malaysian education system and many have attained high academic qualifications locally and abroad.
“Therefore, there is no reason whatsoever to sideline and marginalise Sabahans for promotion to high posts in the federal departments and agencies in the country, especially in Sabah. It is high time that Sabahans are appointed to these positions,” he said.
Bosi reminded Dr Ali to also think of the importance of giving equal opportunities for all the races in Sabah.
“In Sabah, we have the Muslim Bumiputera, non-Muslim Bumiputera, Chinese and other races. It is only fair that every race is given an opportunity to be represented in the civil service.
“At this moment, the non-Muslim community feel that they have been sidelined and marginalised for promotion in the civil service,” he said.