By Social activist Remy Majangkim
KOTA KINABALU: What truly defines politics? Let us dive into its essence! Politics involves a group of people coming together to make decisions for the benefit of everyone.
They elect leaders to represent their interests, transforming those interests into policies and ultimately actions.
Those who enter politics must be prepared for backstabbing, double-dealing, delays, lies, and agreeing to disagree.
Ultimately, it involves psychological warfare to gain power. Appearance is everything, especially the team supporting the leaders.
Politics in Sabah demands a unique kind of courage, as it stands apart from political landscapes in other regions.
The political scene here is deeply rooted in tribal affiliations, and those who can bring the people of Sabah together will ultimately reap the greatest rewards.
So, the ultimate playbook in the Sabah election will revolve around divide and conquer. It is crucial to play the tribal sentiment, regardless of its truth or not.
Political parties set up traps along the way to capture voters off their guard, proven tactics over the years.
Project IC
The demographics of Sabah have undergone significant transformation due to the implementation of Project IC in the early 1990s.
This initiative has had profound implications, particularly reflected in recent elections where the true essence of democracy has been undermined.
The people of Sabah have been systematically deprived of their constitutional rights, leaving a stain on the integrity of our electoral process—an act that many view as a betrayal to the identity and sovereignty of the Sabahan people.
Furthermore, the corrective measures suggested by the Royal Commission were heavily politicised in their early stages and were ultimately dropped by the last two administrations.
Unfortunately, the current administration falls short in addressing this issue, as the continued use of IMM 13 will lead to permanent residency status under the Malaysia Immigration Act.
Undi 18
The introduction of Undi 18 saw a tremendous increase in voters in Sabah and the rest of the country. Your eligibility to vote has changed overnight.
But it is not required; sadly, we still saw voter turnout ranges between 50% and 65%. This low voter turnout has a tremendous effect on electing the right people.
In another country, such as Australia, it is required by law that you have to cast your vote in every election. The people of Australia are well involved in their democratic processes.
Malaysia Agreement 1963 versus 20 points
The introduction of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 changed Sabah’s political landscape, contrary to the 20 Points Memorandum.
Our lost rights were quite extensive, chiselled in the Federal Constitution and bound under international law.
New political parties must have a solid understanding of the issues at hand, as Sabahans have gained valuable insights into this matter.
Nationally orientated political parties often miss the mark in their communications, which can undermine their commitment to national interests.
Advocating for Sabah’s rights means sharing the wealth as outlined in the agreement, which correlates to a decrease in funds for the rest of the constituency held by the party.
Competency and political dinosaurs.
The pivotal question that all constituents should pose to their political representatives is whether they possess the capacity to effectively govern the state. In the context of Sabah, the political landscape is dominated by long-standing incumbents whose prolonged tenures can best be described as antique.
These leaders often exhibit a sluggish response to developmental agendas and policy implementation.
Upon deeper analysis, it becomes evident that there is a noticeable deficit of competent successors ready to step into leadership roles, leaving us in a precarious position lacking clear guidance.
The entrenched politicians of Sabah appear primarily preoccupied with the trifecta of the three P’s: acquiring prestigious titles, securing influential positions, and ensuring lucrative pension benefits, at the expense of substantive and impactful governance.
Sabah’s political future
What lies ahead for us in Sabah? The future is in your hands, and its contours will be shaped by the power of your vote. Each ballot cast is not just a mark; it is a guiding compass that will navigate our collective journey over the next five years. Embrace this opportunity to influence the course of our community and create a thriving tomorrow.
