“The cure for bad politics is the same as the cure for tuberculosis. It is living in the open.” – Woodrow Wilson, 28th US President
A FRIEND recently asked me what I thought of the coming Sabah election. He wanted an update, as he probably thought that I would have something interesting to share.
The truth is, I don’t. For the first time in a long while, I find Sabah politics mind-boggling. I must admit that I am confused about recent political developments in Sabah, and I told my friend that what he had read in the media was probably what I knew too.
We know that politics in Sabah has always been fluid as party alliances, leadership loyalties, and voter support are often unstable and unpredictable.
I informed my friend that I find the intrigues leading to the coming polls not only confusing but rather messy too. I thought I knew Sabah politics well, but this time, I have to concede that I’m unable to fully grasp what’s really going on.
The fragmented political landscape is a key contributor to the mess. Sabah’s political scene is crowded with both national and local parties (eg, GRS, UMNO, Warisan, PBS, UPKO, STAR, Bersatu, PKR, DAP, Amanah, and other smaller parties), many of which form shifting coalitions.
It is also not incorrect to state that these alliances are often opportunistic rather than ideological, changing based on power dynamics. Sabahans also know too well about intense politicking and power play among the contending parties.
Like Sarawak, Sabah is also ethnically and culturally diverse, with large Kadazandusun, Murut, Bajau, Chinese, and other indigenous groups. Add in the number of migrants, legal and illegal, and you get a very ‘colourful’ demography of this beautiful Land Below the Wind.
I doubt Sabahans will ever forget ‘Project IC’ (or Project M), too, as it is viewed as federal interference that undermined the democratic rights of native Sabahans by manipulating voter rolls. Project IC is seen as a betrayal.
This diversity in the Borneo region influences voting behaviour and makes it hard for any party to maintain broad, consistent support.
Unlike in Malaya, where national parties dominate, Sabah politics often revolves around strong local leaders and regional parties. Voters may support individual politicians rather than party ideologies, leading to loyalties that shift based on personality politics.
Sabah has a unique position in Malaysia due to its special rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Political parties often make promises on autonomy, resource control, and development, but delivery is inconsistent, fuelling voter frustration and realignment.
So, how do I view the coming Sabah election, which must be called by December this year at the latest? Allow me to say this.
If I were a voter in Sabah, I would have difficulty voting for the current administration. Why? I will not vote for tainted politicians.
Almost the whole Sabah Cabinet has been embroiled in an alleged corruption scandal recently exposed by a national news portal. Those involved are working overtime to clear themselves of any link, and it has not been easy for them.
That much I would say as my stand for the coming polls. The rest, I would leave it to Sabah voters to decide, and hopefully, the results will reflect the wishes of the people for further progress and prosperity for them and for their homeland.
However, I think that the victors of the coming Sabah election have a critical opportunity to reform Sabah’s political culture and drive real socioeconomic development.
Sabah has long been plagued by issues like weak governance, federal interference, infrastructure deficits and poverty, despite its rich natural resources.
The next government can turn the tide by reforming Sabah’s political system.
Firstly, clean up the electoral roll. Audit and purge dubious voters linked to Project IC, and then, push for decentralised voter registration oversight to increase transparency.
There is also an urgent need to enforce the Anti-Hopping Laws as political instability caused by party defections (or ‘katak politik’) has weakened governance.
Needless to say, the reassertion of Sabah rights under MA63 must continue. Sabah and Sarawak must ensure that the rights lost or given away to Malaya are restored. Two key items are the autonomy in education, health and taxation, and a fairer share of oil revenue and state resources.
The new Sabah Government must also prioritise socioeconomic development and perhaps, should concentrate on infrastructure first.
Prioritise rural roads, electricity, water access, and broadband. Many parts of Sabah still lack these basic services.
Tailor vocational training to local industries (agriculture, tourism, logistics, etc.) and push for education autonomy so that Sabah can design a curriculum suited to local needs.
The government must never forget the rural and indigenous empowerment. Develop native land titles (NCR lands) to secure indigenous ownership and offer targeted support for Kadazandusun, Murut, Bajau and other native groups in business and education.
More importantly, the new leadership in Sabah must fix governance and corruption, starting with transparent public spending.
Publish open budgets and make state procurement data accessible, and digitise more government services to cut red tape and reduce graft.
Finally, the new leaders must take pains to promote unity and multicultural harmony. Sabah’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious identity is a strength.
Promote inclusive policies, avoid race/religion-based politics, and celebrate Sabah’s pluralism.
The real reformers of Sabah need vision, courage, and integrity. If the next Sabah Government can reclaim state autonomy, clean up politics, build inclusive development and genuinely listen to the rakyat, Sabah can become a model state – one that turns its natural wealth into shared prosperity for all Sabahans.
I sincerely hope those offering themselves for leadership roles in Sabah will take cognisance of the hopes and aspirations of their fellow Sabahans.
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at sirsiah@gmail.com.
