GE14 | Former Sabah secretary Simon Sipaun is of the opinion that the country's administration is due for a change.

"To me, we need change. Because this government has been in power for too long and I think they take things for granted that they don't imagine that other parties can take over.

"They think it's almost a divine right for them to rule. My main concern really is the leadership, especially the prime minister," he told reporters in Penampang today.

Sipaun had earlier given a speech during a programme in the constituency with PKR's Jenifer Lasimbang and DAP's Jannie Lasimbang, who are running for the seats of Moyog and Kapayan respectively.

Explaining his presence at the programme, Sipaun said he merely came over after being invited by a friend from Parti Warisan Sabah, and denied having joined the party.

"I just came here to look around and suddenly I was called to speak. But I (do) have political views."

The parliamentary seat of Penampang is being contested by Warisan deputy preisdent Darell Leiking, who will face off against Upko's Cesara Mandela Malakun and two other candidates.

Dr M and ‘Project IC’

Sipaun also called Harapan chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad (photo) a “statesperson” for being able to admit mistakes he committed during his tenure as prime minister.

"It takes a statesperson to be able to admit, after leading the country for 22 years, that he may have made mistakes, and say sorry to those people whom he had hurt.

"Not many leaders can go to the extent of admitting mistakes and say sorry for it.

"Although some of our leaders here say the people can never forgive him, particularly in his role in the mother of all problems - illegal immigrants – but he has been out of power for the last 15 years, what has the government done to resolve the problem once and for all?

"There was the Royal Commission of Inquiry, but I cannot see anything substantive that has improved the situation.

Many Sabahans equate Mahathir with the so-called ‘Project IC’, which saw thousands of foreigners being given citizenship which dramatically and permanently altered the state's demography.

The RCI had pinned the blame for Project IC on corrupt civil servants.  

‘Where’s the hospital?’

In an earlier speech, Sipaun could not help but to remind the caretaker BN government about its promise to build a hospital for the people in Penampang.

Sipaun said the wait at local clinics can sometimes take up to four or five hours.

"For old people like me, I would probably die before I get to see the doctor," said Sipaun to laughter from those present.

The proposal for Penampang to have its own hospital was mooted in 2010, with a groundbreaking ceremony held in 2013.

However, the plot of land earmarked for the hospital, which is located at Kampung Dambai, remains empty.