By Remy Majangkim, MA63, Activist, Tutor, and Historian
KOTA KINABALU: Good day, and I hope you are all in good health. While it is difficult to predict specific political events in the distant future, we can still provide some general insights into what may shape Sabah’s political landscape in 2054, which is 30 years from now.
I experienced a similar dilemma after the 1994 Sabah State Election, which was 26 years ago.
Most of the of the current leaders we look up to today will no longer be present in 2054, leaving behind their legacies and the policies they enacted, whether beneficial or detrimental to the state.
The political landscape of Sabah is likely to have evolved significantly by 2054, influenced by global, national, and regional dynamics.
While precise predictions are challenging, considering the enduring impact of current leaders’ legacies, the evolution of socioeconomic and environmental factors, international relations, and cultural and demographic shifts can provide insights into the potential political landscape of Sabah in 2054.
Over a 30-year period, the political landscape in Sabah could undergo significant changes, influenced by factors such as economic developments, social trends, and global events. New parties might emerge, existing ones could evolve or not, and political agendas could shift in response to changing circumstances.
The current political actors may have passed the torch to a new generation of leaders by 2054. But there are some who do not see it as necessary to do so. Their actions and decisions today could shape the state’s trajectory, leaving a lasting impact on its future. Whether they will personally witness the fruits of their labour will depend on their individual tenures and roles in Sabah’s political scene so far.
While specific predictions are uncertain, considering these broad factors can offer some perspective on how Sabah’s political landscape might evolve over the next three decades. We need to learn from our history and the mistakes and errors made over the years. A different approach or type of leader is needed to ensure our existence, rights, and resources are managed properly.
The importance of equipping our next generation of leaders with the necessary competence and knowledge cannot be overstated. It is essential for them to possess a diverse set of skills and continually improve themselves, much like professionals who are required to maintain their licences to operate.
Gone are the days when individuals with seditious tendencies could ascend to positions of leadership. It is imperative that this practice be unequivocally rejected and condemned.
By focusing on nurturing competent and knowledgeable leaders while rejecting divisive rhetoric, we can strive towards a more capable and inclusive leadership landscape.
The history of Sabah’s political landscape has been characterised by both turmoil and resilience. Leaders have had to navigate complex internal dynamics while also upholding constitutional principles, although not all have done so. The key factors in this context are adaptability and strategic leadership, which are necessary to navigate the treacherous waters of Sabah politics.
