Here’s a bold statement: The future of Sabah’s brightest minds might not lie within its borders—and that’s not a bad thing. But here’s where it gets controversial: Should qualified Sabahans be encouraged to take up federal positions outside their home state, even if it means leaving their roots behind? Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor thinks so. During a recent meeting with SPA Malaysia Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Jailani Muhamed Yunus, Hajiji emphasized that Sabahans should embrace opportunities in high-ranking federal roles, even if those positions are based in the Peninsula. And this is the part most people miss: It’s not just about career advancement—it’s about amplifying Sabah’s voice and influence at the federal level. By accepting these roles, Sabahans can contribute directly to national decision-making while gaining invaluable experience. Hajiji pointed out, “When offered these positions, they should accept them. This will allow more Sabahans to serve and make a difference within federal departments.” But let’s pause for a moment—isn’t this a double-edged sword? While it opens doors for individual growth, it could also lead to brain drain in Sabah. What do you think? Is this a fair trade-off, or should efforts be focused on creating more high-ranking opportunities within the state itself? Meanwhile, Ahmad Jailani highlighted a positive trend: the number of Sabahans applying for federal civil service roles has been on the rise. On average, about 2,000 Sabahans are appointed annually, though most remain within the state. To support this growing interest, SPA Malaysia is opening a new interview center in Keningau this year, adding to existing centers in Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, and Tawau. This move aims to make the recruitment process more accessible for Sabahans. But here’s the bigger question: As more Sabahans step into federal roles, will it bridge the gap between the state and the central government, or will it widen the divide? Share your thoughts below—this is a conversation worth having.
