Kota Kinabalu, El Sky News – As Sabah prepares for its 17th state election, voter sentiment appears to favor candidates or parties considered the “least risky,” reflecting a pragmatic approach rather than strict party loyalty.
According to Astro Awani journalist Nazri Kahar, Sabah voters have experienced leadership from nearly all major political coalitions over the years, including Barisan Nasional (BN), Warisan, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) with Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), and Perikatan Nasional. Each coalition has left its own record, giving voters a basis to assess which leaders or parties are more dependable.
“Voters are no longer bound by past party affiliations. Each coalition has had its turn managing the state, so accountability rests on them individually. Key issues like water supply, electricity, and road infrastructure are at the forefront of voter concerns,” Nazri reported from Kota Kinabalu on Sunday.
Political stability is seen as crucial for sustaining basic development and attracting investment, which in turn provides job opportunities with fair wages. Frequent changes in state leadership risk disrupting ongoing projects, as new administrations often review or replace previous contracts. Nazri cited the Pan-Borneo Highway project as an example, where progress can be delayed by shifts in governance.
The Malaysia Agreement of 1963 (MA63) is another factor guiding voters’ choices. Successful state coalitions are expected to maintain cooperative relations with the federal government, which is essential for resolving long-standing infrastructure and resource issues. “Every development in Sabah requires billions of ringgit. Without federal cooperation, the state cannot address pressing concerns like water, electricity, and roads,” Nazri explained. He added that despite the “Sabah First” rhetoric in recent campaigns, collaboration between the state and federal governments remains necessary to fulfill the objectives of MA63.
As Sabah heads to the polls, analysts say voters are increasingly evaluating candidates based on practical results and stability rather than political slogans or party allegiance. This pragmatic approach may significantly influence the outcome of the election.
