TAWAU: As millions of Sabah people eagerly await the 17th State Election (PRN) , the political climate in the state dubbed the Land Below the Wind is intensifying, with major parties beginning to prepare their machinery and strategies.
Political observer Mohd. Zaki Harry Susanto noted that the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, is seen as a key player with significant potential to remain in power.
GRS is expected to contest all 73 seats in the State Assembly (DUN), although it anticipates a challenging path to secure a simple majority or two-thirds majority.
“The strength of GRS lies in the coalition of local parties such as Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS), Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), and STAR, which are perceived to be more in tune with the sentiments of the Sabah people, alongside support from other parties within GRS,’ he stated.
However, GRS component parties, particularly PBS and STAR, will have to compete with the KDM party for the support of Kadazandusun Murut and Rungus voters.
Warisan is also touted as a party capable of pulling off surprises in the PRN.
Zaki remarked that the decision by Warisan, led by Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, to contest independently is seen as an effort to position Warisan as a decisive factor in the formation of the state government.
Warisan’s focus is now on reclaiming its stronghold seats, especially in the East Coast of Sabah.
“On another front, the collaboration between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) is expected to present its own challenges.
“This coalition is likely to promote a narrative of stability and development in line with the Unity Government at the federal level,” he added.
However, Zaki said their biggest challenge will be to counter anti-Malaya sentiments and ensure grassroots acceptance that leans towards local parties.
As for Perikatan Nasional (PN), Zaki views their intention to contest all DUN seats as a move that could lead to internal fractures when the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) withdraws from the coalition.
The actions of PN, perceived as overly focused on Peninsular Malaysia, may be difficult to accept in certain rural areas.
Zaki further noted that based on past election trends, the voter turnout for the 2020 Sabah state election reached approximately 66.6%, and he predicts that this time it may be slightly lower, around 60% to 63%, depending on the current political situation and the effectiveness of rural campaigning.
“This is driven by political fatigue, party fragmentation, and its impact on the enthusiasm to vote.
“Three main issues are expected to dominate the campaign in this Sabah state election: first, the demand for the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and Sabah’s autonomy, which remains a key topic influencing votes, especially among the youth and rural communities,” he said.
Second, infrastructure development and inclusive economic growth continue to be the people’s hope, particularly in rural areas still facing basic issues like water supply and road access.
Third, political stability will be a crucial determining factor, with voters likely to choose a coalition that can provide strong governance free from prolonged uncertainty and effectively advocate for Sabah’s rights.
With an increasingly fragmented and dynamic political landscape, the 17th Sabah state election is expected to be one of the most intense in modern Sabah’s history.
The people are now hopeful that the mandate given will lead to a new direction that is more stable, inclusive, and competitive for the state.
