By The Borneo Post onSabah
Mohammad Bahrin
KOTA KINABALU (April 11): The appointment of Datuk Ar James Wong as the new group general manager of Sabah Economic Development Corporation (Sedco) which sparked a controversy, signals a crucial reform step to drive progress for the institution and Sabah’s economy.
Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Likas chief Mohammad Bahrin Abd Karim said the move reflects Sabah’s readiness to break from its comfort zone and embrace inclusive, competitive changes.
“This decision showcases the openness and maturity of the state administration under Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, recognizing talent beyond race or background,” he said in a statement today.
“It aligns with the Malaysia Madani spirit and the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan, where diversity is our strength.”
Mohammad Bahrin also stressed that state statutory bodies and government-linked companies (GLCs), including Sedco, must be empowered to compete effectively with private firms.
“We cannot rely solely on government support. Sedco must stand independently and lead Sabah’s economic advancement,” he added.
Mohammad Bahrin said that with the support of Sedco’s experienced staff, James will be able to lead this organization in a more progressive and sustainable direction, thus restoring Sedco’s glorious era as it once was.
James Wong
“James will not work alone but with all levels of Secdo employees regardless of race and religion for the good and progress of Sabah as a whole,” he added.
He is confident that this appointment will open a new chapter in efforts to strengthen the state’s economy through more inclusive and performance-based leadership reforms.
Mohammad Bahrin is also confident that Sedco will continue to be committed to implementing State Government policies transparently and efficiently, in line with the state’s economic development goals and the interests of the people, especially in empowering the Bumiputera group across various sectors.
“I urge various parties to stop politicizing the issue of James’ appointment. Give him space and opportunity to work, and to further strengthen Sedco’s position as a leader in the economic development of Sabah,” he said.
Libaran Member of Parliament Datuk Suhaimi Nasir has raised concerns over the appointment of James, urging the state government to provide transparency on the selection process and to uphold the institution’s original mission.
In a statement today, Suhaimi acknowledged the professional qualifications of the appointee but said the decision has sparked unease, particularly among the indigenous Bumiputera community in Sabah, who see the appointment as straying from the founding spirit of Sedco.
“This is not an issue of race, but a matter of principle, history, and the future direction of an institution that plays a vital role in the economic development of Sabah’s people,” he said.
Established in 1971, Sedco was created to empower the Bumiputera in Sabah through economic participation. Suhaimi emphasised that appointments within the organisation must reflect a commitment to this goal and honour the original vision of Sedco as a trust for the indigenous people.
“What we are witnessing now is a deviation from that trust. Sedco is not merely a government-linked company. It is a symbol of economic struggle and empowerment for Sabah’s natives,” he stressed.
He expressed concern that appointing someone outside the Bumiputera community to the corporation’s highest position could be seen as sidelining capable and qualified local leaders, potentially weakening public confidence in Sedco as an agency dedicated to Bumiputera empowerment.
Even more worrying, Suhaimi said, is the demoralising effect this decision could have on local talent.
“There are many highly qualified Bumiputera professionals in Sabah who have served diligently and understand the nuances of local economic development, yet they are not given the opportunity to lead,” he said.
“This not only lowers morale among local staff, but may also drive our best talents to seek recognition outside Sabah.”
He also questioned the transparency of the appointment process, noting the lack of public engagement or clear justification.
“Such decisions give rise to negative perceptions that key positions in state GLCs are decided by a small elite circle, with little regard for public interest or sensitivity,” he said. “GLCs must not be seen as playgrounds for political manoeuvring, but as platforms for fair and inclusive economic empowerment.”
Suhaimi warned that such appointments could disrupt long-term plans to build Bumiputera leadership capacity.
“Sedco should be a space for locals to learn, grow and lead. If opportunities at the top are blocked, the development of Bumiputera entrepreneurs and corporate leaders will also stagnate,” he said, adding that this would only worsen the socio-economic gap in Sabah.
With the state elections looming, he cautioned that the issue could be politicised and misinterpreted, potentially fuelling tension among communities.
“We must be more cautious and sensitive with policy and appointment decisions that can affect public harmony.”
He also voiced concern about the message being sent to Sabah’s youth.
“Do we want them to believe that talent, qualifications and loyalty to their homeland mean nothing? That they will never be good enough to lead in their own state unless they are ‘close to power’? Such a message only weakens patriotism and the drive of our young people to serve and build Sabah,” he said.
Suhaimi urged the state government to provide an official explanation for the appointment, including the process and rationale behind it.
He also proposed the creation of a special bipartisan committee to review GLC appointment policies and to develop a clear talent development plan for Bumiputera in Sabah.
“I am not opposing an individual, but standing by principle. Sedco does not belong to any one group. It is a symbol of hope and economic aspiration for the people of Sabah. Let us not allow that symbol to lose its meaning because we failed to defend the spirit and vision on which it was founded,” he concluded.
