THE dissolution of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly on 6 October 2025 has set the stage for the 17th Sabah State Election, marking another significant moment in the political evolution of one of Malaysia’s more diverse and dynamic states.
For decades, Sabahans have lived with the tension between vast natural wealth and persistent developmental challenges, between the promises of autonomy and the reality of dependence, and between federal and state interests.
As the people prepare to return to the polls, the issues that will shape their decisions are likely to be rooted less in ideology and more in the practical realities of daily life, in questions of fairness and in the credibility of those who seek to govern them.
Among the foremost concerns for Sabahans is the state of infrastructure and basic public utilities. Across both urban and rural areas, the need for reliable water supply, stable electricity, well-maintained roads and accessible internet remains urgent.
Water disruptions continue to plague many communities, with even major establishments such as hotels, tertiary institutions and hospitals sometimes affected. Power interruptions are also a common grievance while many rural villages remain poorly connected to the main road network. Many lament the state of “jalan bulan,” roads so pockmarked with potholes they resemble the moon’s surface.
Voters are increasingly weary of grand promises and will be assessing which coalition has the competence and sincerity to deliver tangible improvements.
In this election, it is widely believed that practical issues such as infrastructure will weigh more heavily on the minds of voters than abstract political ideals.
The rising cost of living has become another pressing concern. Sabah has long faced higher prices than most states in West Malaysia because of its geography and logistics. Rising transportation costs have pushed up the prices of essential goods, even as wages continue to trail behind inflation. For families already struggling, this economic strain has been compounded by limited job opportunities, particularly for young people. Many Sabahans have left for West Malaysia or overseas in search of better employment.
Voters will be seeking the party that are able to bring real investment, attract industries and create meaningful jobs at home. Promises of subsidies or short-term relief may prove insufficient unless accompanied by credible strategies for long-term economic growth and poverty reduction.
Closely linked to this concern is the issue of public service delivery. The challenges in healthcare and education remain stark, especially in remote and interior districts. Clinics often lack adequate staff while hospitals in some areas are ill-equipped to deal with emergencies or specialist cases. During the pandemic, these weaknesses were laid bare, and people remember. The education system too suffers from uneven quality, with rural schools short of teachers and facilities. Sabah’s diverse population and scattered geography make it difficult to ensure equitable access to health and education but these are essential needs that no government can afford to neglect.
Voters will be judging not only promises of new projects but also the efficiency, transparency and fairness with which existing services are managed.
The relationship between Sabah and the Federal Government will also be a factor. State politics is inseparable from national dynamics, especially in matters of funding and policy coordination. Sabahans will be asking whether the Federal Government has kept its promises under the Malaysia Agreement of 1963 and whether state leaders have been effective in negotiating on their behalf. Parties aligned with Federal coalitions may argue that their connections will secure more resources for the state while others will stress the importance of standing firm in defence of local autonomy. For many Sabahans, this issue is both an emotional and a political matter.
There is a strong feeling that Sabah has yet to receive its fair share of revenue from natural resources, and that too much power remains concentrated in the Federal Government. Many are calling for greater control over land, immigration and resource management. This sentiment is often captured in the popular phrase “Sabah for Sabahans,” reflecting a desire for more local control and protection of state interests. The question of citizenship and the presence of undocumented migrants continue to be controversial, touching upon issues of security, social cohesion and political representation. Parties that are seen as genuinely committed to safeguarding Sabah’s autonomy and addressing these complex identity issues may find strong resonance among the electorate.
Among the most pressing concerns in Sabah is the long-standing demand for the return of 40% of federal revenue collected from the state. This entitlement, guaranteed under the Federal Constitution, has become a symbol of Sabah’s struggle for fairness and autonomy. Many believe that restoring this share would allow the state to improve infrastructure, health care and education without overdependence on federal funds.
Although the Federal Government cites fiscal limitations, the High Court rulings on 17 October 2025 reaffirming Sabah’s right have reignited public debate. This issue is expected to weigh heavily on voters’ minds in the forthcoming state election.
While practical matters dominate, symbolic questions of identity and status still carry weight. The desire for recognition of Sabah’s special position within the Federation of Malaysia remains strong. Proposals to elevate the title of Chief Minister to Premier or to refer to Sabah as a nation rather than a state, reflect the pride Sabahans take in their unique heritage. These debates are more than semantic; they represent a broader aspiration for equality and dignity within the Malaysian Federation. For many, the promise of autonomy is not just about resources or administration but about respect and self-determination.
Security remains an ever-present concern, particularly in eastern Sabah, which borders the southern Philippines. The region’s history of cross-border incursions, smuggling and illegal migration continues to influence local perceptions of government effectiveness. The Eastern Sabah Security Command plays a vital role in maintaining stability while voters in the region remain attentive to promises of stronger border protection and more visible law enforcement. In a state as geographically exposed as Sabah, security and development are closely linked; without safety, there can be no sustained prosperity.
Another factor that will influence voting behaviour is the public perception of corruption and integrity in government. Sabahans have become increasingly sceptical of political elites who promise reform but deliver little. Allegations of corruption in sectors such as mining and public contracting have eroded confidence in the system. For many voters, poor infrastructure is not just an inconvenience but a symbol of mismanagement and the misuse of public funds. In this election, clean governance will be a decisive factor.
Candidates who are able to demonstrate integrity and transparency will possess an advantage over those tainted by scandal or association with past abuses.
Land ownership and indigenous rights will also play a significant role. Sabah’s indigenous communities have long sought greater recognition of their native customary rights. Disputes over land titles, commercial logging and agricultural concessions have created tension between development interests and traditional landholders. Many voters, particularly in rural constituencies, will look for leaders who are prepared to defend indigenous rights and ensure that development safeguards rather than undermines cultural survival. Fair land reform and equitable distribution of agricultural opportunities will therefore be key themes in the campaign.
Another issue on the minds of voters is political stability. Sabah’s political landscape has often been characterised by shifting alliances, defections and short-lived coalitions. Many Sabahans have grown frustrated by the kind of political opportunism they perceive. They are likely to favour leaders and coalitions that can promise steady governance rather than constant upheaval. The ability of a government to complete long-term development projects depends on stability and continuity. Thus, voters are likely to be cautious of politicians with a habit of party-hopping, and of parties that seem fragmented or excessively dependent on tenuous coalitions.
Environmental management is another growing concern. Sabah’s forests, rivers and coastlines are not only part of its natural beauty but also essential to the livelihoods of many communities. The state’s rich biodiversity has made it a global conservation hotspot, yet it remains vulnerable to deforestation, unsustainable logging and mining. Voters are increasingly aware that environmental degradation leads to flooding, soil erosion and the loss of fisheries. They are also conscious that tourism, one of Sabah’s key industries, depends on maintaining these natural assets. Parties that present credible plans for sustainable development may gain support, particularly among younger and environmentally conscious voters.
Much will depend on the way voters evaluate the record of the incumbent government. The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah coalition has promoted its development agenda under the banner of “Sabah Maju Jaya,” claiming progress in infrastructure, investment and welfare. Yet many Sabahans still feel that the pace of improvement has been too slow while the benefits have eluded ordinary citizens. The opposition, including Warisan and UMNO, will seek to capitalise on this dissatisfaction by presenting themselves as the true champions of the people’s needs. Their success will depend on whether they can convince voters that they offer more than mere rhetoric, and that they have the unity and competence to govern effectively.
The challenges are considerable. Grand development plans require not only money but administrative capacity and political will. Sabah’s geography, with its mountainous terrain and dispersed settlements, makes the delivery of infrastructure and services expensive and logistically complex. Any government, regardless of its composition, will have to deal with limited resources, competing priorities and the temptation of patronage politics. Voters are increasingly aware of these structural difficulties but they also expect honesty and accountability from those in power. Ultimately, the outcome of the 17th Sabah State Election will hinge on a combination of performance, credibility and perception. Sabahans will vote not only for parties but for trust. They will look for leaders capable of governing with integrity, understand the state’s complex realities and can bridge the gap between promise and delivery.
In the end, Sabahans will cast their votes not merely to elect a new assembly but to express their hopes for a better future. The people of this vast and diverse land have endured many cycles of political change, yet their aspirations remain constant: a government that listens, delivers and governs with integrity. The party or coalition that best understands and responds to these aspirations will determine the direction of Sabah’s next chapter.
Footnote
Dr Richard A. Gontusan is a Human Resource Skills Training and Investment Consultant. The issues explored in this article reflect insights gathered from his conversations with Sabahans across diverse walks of life and social strata. His views expressed in this article are not necessarily the views of The Borneo Post.
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