Sabah’s young people have been urged to channel their energy into developing the state’s future instead of taking part in street protests, amid warnings that they could be manipulated by individuals pursuing hidden agendas.
Speaking at the Bangkit Sabahan 2.0 gathering on Sunday, NGO leader Dr Davina Markus said meaningful change cannot be achieved through demonstrations alone but through education, skills, unity and the pursuit of Sabah’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Addressing hundreds of young attendees, Dr Davina acknowledged that public frustration over corruption, inequality and unfulfilled promises is understandable. However, she cautioned that anger on its own would not solve Sabah’s challenges.
“Your passion and patriotism are being watched. There are people who are ready to exploit your frustrations for their own interests. Loving Sabah means protecting it, not allowing it to become a platform for someone else’s agenda,” she said.
Responding to recent online criticism over her views, Dr Davina stressed that Sabah’s demand for full immigration control and all rights guaranteed under MA63 remains a firm and non-negotiable position.
She said defending Sabah’s autonomy is about restoring the state’s authority over its land, borders and future, rather than shielding anyone from accountability.
Dr Davina also encouraged Sabah’s youth to redirect their efforts towards industries expected to drive the state’s economy in the coming decade. She highlighted fields such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy engineering, sustainable finance, modern agricultural technology and digital services as key areas for future growth.
“Youth power should not be wasted in endless rallies. We need young Sabahans leading in laboratories, boardrooms, farms and digital innovation hubs,” she said.
She concluded by urging young people to equip themselves with valuable skills and become innovators and future leaders, warning that while some may seek to keep them angry and divided, Sabah’s long-term progress depends on a generation that is capable, resilient and ready to build the state’s future.
