Airtime With Ronnie Klassen (2025)

05/08/2025

From The Desk Of... Ronnie Klassen.

The epitome of Sabah's politics is best described by it's pledges and promises, that in some "unperculiar" manner, has distorted history.

And in it's finest hour, Sabah politics has it's moments, from back door deals to renegading an agreed plan. Yes, the stakes are high, and loosing is not an option.

The denial syndrome has become so intense, that finally the rabbit is out of the hat. A feat by political magicians at work. But, what were the choices?

The downsizing of an earnest clarion call of "SOLO" now buried, may not have been the best option or is combining its political strength(GRS/PH) the obvious solution?

The current political trend is towards coalition -based transformation. So expect fierce competition and nothing less.

The fluidity of Sabah's political landscape may allow each coalition to assert dominance in its own stronghold. Be it, GRS SOLO, GRS/PH, GRS/WARISAN or for that matter, as some may imply, the unimaginable GRS/PH/BN. This will be visible, on polling day.

This maybe inevitable, as the current political environment and it's undercurrent has unveiled a defining moment for the state. This moment calls for courage not for political expediency.

In recent days, we've witness political medicine peddlers disguising as defenders of the people, promising to uplift the status and well being of the state, a responsibility once entrusted to them previously, yet failed to uphold.

The destiny of state must be in capable hands, filled with certainty and conviction.

The days of impersonators is a foregone conclusion. And it begins from all levels of leadership.

It's imperative for certain parties to stop being delusional, and understand that the intelligent society today are no nitwits, be it from the rural to the urban community.

Yes, society have no qualms over anyone going solo or fantasizing a collaboration with others. The upcoming polls is no ordinary election, it is a historical crossroad, crucial for the interest of the people, and the relevance of certain political parties.

While no political leader may never declare their flaw's and incompetency, the onus is reflective and judged by how effective they were during it's administration.

Have a wonderful day ahead.

21/07/2025

From The Desk Of.....Ronnie Klassen

"The higher we are placed, the more humbly we should walk "

Yet in politics, the golden rule is, never expect never assume, the proof is in the pudding.

Voters have been thirsting for a solution based government, not necessarily having all the answers, but as a wise man once said, "Good leaders are troubleshooters, while poor leaders are troublemakers."

Political fairytales has lost it's flavour and glory. Most politicians make inconsistent promises, damn If you do, damn If you don't. That's the political reality.

Has it ever crossed your mind, that every political party, will window dress their objectives and proudly display their manifesto's and promises? You're either dazzled or hypnotized by it or end up believing it.

With the dissolution date already decided, though yet to be officially announced, tensions have already begun mounting, the stakes are high, and armchair critic's/ keyboard warriors ( both sides of the political aisle) are already on their prowl, desperately justifying their Knight in Shinning Armour.

Politicians (past and present) who once considered themselves as "political assets" have now been viewed and downgraded as " stressed assets". No one escapes the eye in social media.

Any form of holistic progress must have a clear and comprehensive policy and roadmap for the well-being of every layer of society, and leaders must not "succumb to the demands" of blood sucking politicians whose only interest is to navigate control, hence leaving Sabah in a state of vulnerability.

As a political communication analysis, I had the pleasure of being invited over the weekend, for kupi kupi with a few professionals and politicians. Mixed feelings of opinion, yet justifying the truth.

While opinions remain opinions, one just can't hide the frustration lingering among the elite and the ordinary men/women on the street.

If the notion that, Sabah should and is ready to finally be administered by local based parties, then why shouldn't the idea of a GRS/WARISAN be seriously considered? Why should GRS/PH be even considered? Those were some of the few questions asked. I welcome answers from your comments.

Interestingly, I was asked, do we actually have a statesman within the political fraternity? I could only cheekily respond, hopefully we may see one among our grandchildren.

Have a nice day ahead.

16/07/2025

From The Desk Of.... Ronnie Klassen

GRS SOLO...!!! A resounding indicator that may have lifted and motivated Sabahan's, that finally local parties have what it takes to "re-create" history.

The question is, can GRS weather the storm mounting from across the South China Sea?

A wise man once said, "Be careful who you let on your ship, because some people will sink the whole ship just because they can't be the Captain."

A government should not allow itself to be dictated to the whimps and fancies of a hierarchy that decides. Alliance based on political convenience often result in internal power struggles and weak governance.

Can the local parties OR an alliance measure up to the wishes of the rakyat OR do we continue to succumb to an alliance of political convenience?

While this may perhaps be a matter of interpretation, understanding the past determines actively the ability to understand the present.

While most maybe supportive of GRS, resting on your laurels, may not be wise. Never underestimate the political puppeteers hovering over the masses to circumvent a reverse take over of support.

Yes, political backstabbing will be enhanced and delusional politicians will continue scrapping the bottom of the barrel, to spearhead their political desires and agenda.

There's a saying, "without ex*****on of change and reforms, vision is just another word for hallucination."

The recent Menteri Besar and Chief Minister's meeting held in the Federal Capital, was also "Attended" by a well planned massive entourage of Lawyers demanding Judiciary Reforms. Will we see changes forthcoming? Your guess is as good as mine.

But the icing on the cake, was the "private meeting" between Sabah and Putrajaya. Unconfirmed sources have claimed that the date for the dissolution of the State Assembly, paving the way for the 17th State Elections has already been decided. Who decided?

Have a Nice Day Ahead, as I leave you with this to ponder upon, if your memory still serves you well.

"If you want to be a friend, act like one. There must be a decorum when it comes to friendship. You don't need to thank us, just show a little appreciation, ask in a friendly manner."

09/07/2025

From The Desk Of.... Ronnie Klassen

The irony about modern day politics, is either you posses the influence to lead the people to greatness or lead them to despair.

Influence becomes the driving force that encourage the people and instill confidence, while authority alone breed compliance without genuine engagement.

Is a paradigm shift needed for a political renewal to take place? In politics, the golden rule is, Never Expect, Never Assume. The proof is in the pudding.

While the clarion call, for a renewed local political entity as against to parties from across the South China Sea continues to linger in the minds of the people, one also questions the integrity of tainted politicians.

The nucleus of Sabah's politics is determined by the people themselves.

Politicians will come and eventually evaporate into the wilderness. It's only their footprints that will be left behind. Politics has always been full of surprises, some shocking, some we don't even want to remember.

While the guessing game mounts further as to the elusive dissolution of the state assembly, CM Hajiji Noor has indicated that the recent two-day State Assembly Sitting maybe the last, before the election, though he declined to reveal the date for the dissolution.

"It's likely the last sitting, but I can't announce the date yet. Be patient. Not long now."

The biggest hurdle and challenge will be to entice and influence our young people, who posses great social conscience, yet perplexed by the injustice which exist and are anxious to rectify these ills

True or False, yet their numbers will spearhead a political agenda.

As the people anxiously awaits Hajiji Noor's dissolution announcement, the question of who's teaming up with whom, is still uncertain. That's a further guess.

Have a Nice Day Ahead.

03/07/2025

From The Desk Of.... Ronnie Klassen

The aftermath of one avalanche after another, has further escalated the theatrics, detailing a political conspiracy that has highlighted the involvement of political figures in a corrupt scandal. Even a Singaporean has now been alleged to being the funder.

Ironically, when the "giver" pleads not guilty to giving, and the "receivers" also pleads not guilty to receiving, how mind boggling will this affect the sitting judge?

Political scheming has become so transparent, by the powers that be.

The bandwagon of desperado politicians is so overloaded, that membership and it's privileges are only acertain by one's stupidity and primitive mentality.

Political covert campaigns to disable it's foe by any means ( fabricated/defaming) have become so apparent within the political fraternity today.

Historically, Sabah politics has been dictated by political power from across the South China Sea. An undisputed trend/fact, that's on-going and will continue.

The political level bar needs to be raised. Sabah is in great need of leaders with conviction and not leaders surrendering themselves by continuing to be dictated as their only option.

The current political shenanigans and undercurrent heading towards the upcoming elections, and who ultimately ends up victorious, depends very much on who's leading and who's being led.

While the shrewed and cunning political architect's orchestra their move to win at all cost, by manipulating public perception and breed distrust, at some point, the people must not be swayed by falsehood created by the surrogate's of doom and gloom.

The incoherent mindset and flip flop stand by parties from across the South China Sea, in courting a "marriage of convenience" and thereafter renegading their "love and affection", sparks insincerity, which could result severe casualty among them, when facing the voters.

As desperation mounts, expect more controversies forthcoming.

Have a great day ahead.

30/06/2025

From The Desk Of....Ronnie Klassen.

The ultimate measure of a politician is not where they stand in moments of accomplishment, but where they stand at times of challenge and controversy.

Let's examine the issues at hand positively, and put aside the hypocrisy. The clarity is so reassuring by politicians from both sides of the political aisle, denial syndrome, that only they have succeeded enormously for the state and the well being of the people. In conclusion - it's best described as a mere fantasy and wet dreams.

The mining scandal has reached its pinnacle and revelation after another, allegedly implicating "new characters" has further fuelled the public perception with added disgruntlement. True or False? Well your guess is as good as mine.

The latest "admission" by Sabah UMNO, courting GRS into a marriage of convenience, in the upcoming state elections, shows UMNO's weakness OR has a backdoor negotiation reached an agreement?

How one perceives the eventual outcome of the coming elections, depends very much on how GRS re-invents and position themselves in the remaining time left in government.

While GRS, seeks and echo's dominance in their quest for monopoly in the seat arrangements, there's no denying, no conclusion has been reached within GRS, nor with any National parties, as to who collaborates with whom. It's akin to a fishing expedition.

This is ambiguous politics, shrewd, cunning and hypocritical.

Examining Sabah politics, through the lens of a microscope, doesn't require a rocket scientist to determine how volatile circumstances turn out.

One can evade reality, but one cannot evade the consequences of evading reality.

Have a great day ahead.

23/06/2025

From The Desk Of... Ronnie Klassen

Tensions, Desperation and Street Demonstration are mounting (with the stakes so high), coupled with an avalanche of insinuations, have propelled a large segment of politicians to renegade their purpose.

Arm chair critic's and key board warriors are diligently on their prowl, at every nook and corner of social media with their continuous bickering and bashing...!!! Stone age politics.

Some have hallucinated having owned a crystal ball, suggesting that certain political parties from the ruling administration are preparing to disassociate itself, before the dissolution of the state assembly.

There again in politics, anything and everything is possible..... wishful thinking to most.

Politics is at times morally ambiguous. It is in your moments of decision that political destiny is shaped. A's the saying goes, "He who is not courageous enough to take risk will accomplish nothing."

Choosing to resort to street demonstrations to argue a cause in today's time and age, doesn't constitute courage. It portrays desperation, especially with bankrupt solutions.

On another matter, Sabah UMNO in a statement, is exploring a new power sharing formula that aims to ensure fair political representation among Sabah's diverse communities within their coalition partners. The statement further added that, "In any coalition, no party should act like a big brother."

While power sharing has now become the fundamental and ONLY formula towards the establishment of an elected government, never undermine the political intelligence of society.

The 17th state elections is just around the corner and it's irreversible. The 5 years of the current administration is about up, and it's back to the mandate of the people.

While it maybe safe to say, that the current GRS/PH administration is not in the brink of collapse, nevertheless, resting on its laurels may navigate them into the history books.

Have a great day ahead.

19/06/2025

From The Desk Of.... Ronnie Klassen

People always tend to look for constellation in politics - a pattern that reflects consistency(both in words and action), and not just being bystanders.

Politicians across the board, earns it's reputation in what they do. Political rhetoric's has lost it's flavour. Society can't be fooled at the whim's and fancies of delusional politicians, everytime.

Greatness requires greatness - hence a government of the people, for the people and with the people, as we hope and dream.

Tensions are mounting, stakes are high, and armchair critic's/keyboard warrior's are on their prowl from both sides of the aisle, desperately justifying their Knight In Shinning Armour.

To assume or imply, that the coming state elections is merely a formality, just to fulfill a constitutional obligation - THINK AGAIN.

This time around, a Forensic Accountability (in it's political sense), tailored to determine which side of the aisle warrants the support and vote of the people will be the game changer.

Politicians (past and present), who had once considered themselves as "political assets", have now been viewed and downgraded as "stressed assets". No one escapes the eye in social media.

As Sabah prepares for the 17th state elections, all forms of holistic progress must have a clear and comprehensive policy and roadmap for the well being of every layer of society.

Political scheming has become so transparent and professing political sympathy further acknowledges incompetency and desperation.

With the elections round the corner, Hajiji Noor's justification and clear vision, that local parties must dominate Sabah politics and prioritized, when forming alliance.

Any discussion on cooperation with other parties should not come at the expense of local leadership.

Meanwhile in a statement by MACC, 2 Assemblymen and another individual would be charged in connection with the alleged mining scandal.

In response, CM Hajiji Noor stated his administration would leave the matter to the authorities and the courts. The matter will not affect the running of the state government.

As the ruling administration sits comfortably in pole position, while the Opposition desperately struggles to make headway, no matter how lost their cause maybe, the leadership within GRS, depends very mush on how CM Hajiji Haji Noor steers the coalition in benefitting the state and people, in order to obtain a second term.

The countdown has begun as the people awaits news on the dissolution of the assembly.

Have a great day ahead.

14/06/2025

From The Desk Of ... Ronnie Klassen

FRIENDLY CONTEST, BETRAYAL, UNITY and POLITICAL STABILITY are words frequently used to weaponized political power.

Yet, a government cannot allow itself to be dictated to the whimps and fancies of a higher hierarchy - hence the clarion call, " Sabah For Sabahans."

Should the upcoming state elections becomes a contest between local versus national parties, the outcome could reshape Sabah's political landscape and redefine it's federal-state relations.

With the stakes so high, all eyes will now be on the alliance, manifestos and largely voter sentiments.

With the growing fragmentation among parties leading to multi-cornered fights in many seats (unless an agreed deal has silently been concluded) split votes may give unexpected advantage to some blocs.

Will this probably result in a hung assembly? If at all a unifying factor develops, it will depend very much on how politicians maneuver the chess board.

But what's cooking in Anwar Ibrahim and Zahid Hamidi's kitchen?

Political Power and Political Stability are words designed with the absolute intent to garner authority, while the politically less fortunate hibernate in retribution.

Political ideologies differ among politicians. Only sincerity and integrity separates them- if at all it's even possible.

So, if the clarion call, "Sabah For Sabahans" is to see the light of day, promoting inclusivity must be seen as happening rather than being mesmerized by a narrative to appease society.

" The ultimate measure of a politician is not where they stand in moments of accomplishment, but where they stand at times of challenge and controversy."

Have a great weekend ahead.

07/06/2025

From The Desk Of.... Ronnie Klassen

Good governance depends on the ability to take responsibility by both the administration as well as the people.

What contesting parties, coalitions or candidates in the upcoming state elections, should be doing is mirroring themselves, then tell the people, you have the SOLUTIONS to make Sabah great again.

Alliance based on political convenience often result in internal power struggles and weak governance....the Langkah Kinabalu is a perfect example.

A government cannot allow itself to be dictated to the whimps and fancies of a higher hierarchy that decides. ....a case of a puppet being remotely control by a puppeteer.

An alliance should not just be about winning an election. It must be built on a clear vision, strong policies, solution based and long term stability to govern effectively.

We elect leaders to serve the people, not to preserve power or prioritize profits.

It is in moments of decision that your destiny is shaped. UNITY.....when it's purpose is desired. In politics nothing happens by accident. If it happens, you can bet it was planned that way.

Have a great weekend.

01/06/2025

From The Desk Of.... Ronnie Klassen

He who is not courageous enough to take risk, will accomplish nothing.!!

The current political trend is towards coalition-based transformation. So expect fierce competition, and nothing less.

The fluidity of Sabah's political landscape may allow each coalition to assert dominance in it's own stronghold.

This is inevitable, as the current political environment and it's undercurrent has unveiled a defining moment for the state. This moment calls for courage, not political expediency.

The forthcoming polls is also a decisive frontier for parties to prioritize the state over party loyalty and who are ready to stand up for what is right, even if it means going against their own political factions.

Political medicine peddlers disguising as defenders of the people, promising to uplift the status and well being of the state, have lost the plot.

Over the festive weekend, Sabah celebrated Kaamatan, only to be told that " demand Sabah's rights by negotiations, not by shouts and verbal abuse ( maki hamun)."

This is not about shouting, it's about standing up. Asking nicely has gotten Sabah nowhere. I stand corrected !!!

Leadership is not about making speeches or being liked. Leadership is defined by results not attributes.

Hence, " grassroot leaders" should refrain from idolizing and promoting their own personality, but prioritize on issues affecting the people.

The destiny of the state must be in capable hands, filled with certainty and conviction. The days of impersonators is a foregone conclusion.

It's imperative for parties to stop being delusional, and understand that the intelligent society today are no nitwits.

Yes, society have no qualms over anyone going Solo or fantasizing a collaboration with others. The upcoming polls is no ordinary event, it is a historic crossroad, crucial for the interest of the people, and the relevance of certain parties and it's leaders.

For those who have led and failed, the next Bus to retirement land is ready for departure. Make sure you don't miss your ride

HAPPY KAAMATAN AND GAWAI.

17/05/2025

From The Desk Of.... Ronnie Klassen

In recent days, Sabahan's were mind boggled by the inconclusive mind's of political leaders - leading towards the 17th State Elections.

The incoherent mindset, especially from PH and BN, in backtracking their initial "DEAL" held in Kuala Lumpur, as a pact in facing the upcoming state elections, only to be "corrected" by PMX , is politically amusing, to say the least.

Was PMX shaken by Hajiji Haji Noor's response that GRS would go SOLO? If political stability was the focal point, then questioning it's modus-operandi on the initial backdoor negotiations held by PH and BN, by conveniently sidelining GRS is appropriate.

Let's examine this creditable word POLITICAL STABILITY, that has so often been used or misused.

1. Political stability as it should be refers to which a government operates consistently and predictably without frequent changes in leadership (unless necessary) and policies.. it should further allow the state to focus on long term development, attract investments and maintain public order. Arm twisting from the Central administration in any form to distabilize an elected government is prohibited, unless the existing government is highly corrupt.

2. Skewed politicians interpretation of political stability is often self-serving and distorted. "They embrace and worship political stability, where power, wealth and control remain unchallenged, dissent is minimize or suppressed, and the system continues to favor them and their allies - regardless of whether the people are truly content or democratic principals are upheld."

In short, stability isn't about justice, equality or the well-being of the people, it's about maintaining the status quo that benefits a politician.

So, we ask these highly "distinguished gentlemen", elected by the people, what does political stability mean to you?

Have a blessed weekend.

Airtime With Ronnie Klassen