The Sapp (Sabah Progressive Party) likens the federal government in Kuala Lumpur to British colonialists. Both, according to the party, "have kept the people of Sabah and Sarawak down for so long".

"Sabahans have been brainwashed by leaders in KL to believe that they are incapable," said Sapp chief Yong Teck Lee in Putatan last night, drawing a standing ovation.