By: Dr. Jikat Binol Darimbang
KOTA KINABALU: The door to the 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17) has swung wide open. All eyes now turn to the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Noor, as the people await his pivotal step out of that door to announce the long-anticipated election date—a moment that may shape the political destiny of Sabah for years to come.
A Symbolic Date on the Horizon?
Many political analysts predict that the Chief Minister will announce the state election date on 27 July 2025, right after the conclusion of the three-day Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) party congress scheduled for 25–27 July. If this speculation holds, polling day could fall on 16 September 2025—a date that marks Sabah’s historic entry into the Federation of Malaysia.
The choice of this date would not be mere symbolism; it would serve as a strategic reminder of Sabah’s unique role in Malaysia’s formation and the promises embedded in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), many of which are still seen as unfulfilled by Sabahans.
A Clash of Titans: GRS vs. Peninsula Coalitions
The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition has made clear its intention to contest the state election solo. This sets the stage for a potentially fierce showdown against major political blocs from Peninsular Malaysia—namely Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional (BN), and Perikatan Nasional (PN)—as well as local parties such as Warisan, the Party of Economic Prosperity and Democratic Welfare (PKDM), and others.
This contest is not just about state power; it’s a deeper struggle over governance models, inter-regional equality, and the assertion of Sabah’s rights within the federal system.
Local Party Dynamics: A United Front or Fragmented Opposition?
A key question dominating current political discourse is whether local Sabah-based parties will eventually rally behind GRS to form a united Borneo bloc—one driven by the spirit of “Sabah for Sabahan” and the powerful call of “Our Home, We Protect.”
If such a coalition materialises, it would represent a monumental political force—one rooted not in Peninsula-centric ideologies, but in regional identity, autonomy, and a collective desire to realign the balance of power within the Federation.
Such an alliance would also lend GRS and its allies a strategic edge—a singular, consolidated voice advocating for the rights of Sabahans in a way that transcends ethnic, religious, or party lines.
PRN17: A Referendum on Sabah’s Future
This upcoming election is not merely a five-year democratic ritual. It is, in effect, a referendum on Sabah’s future direction within Malaysia. Several key issues are likely to define the electoral narrative:
Autonomy and Implementation of MA63
Awareness of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 has grown significantly among Sabahans. Parties will be judged on their track record and proposals for restoring Sabah’s rights and autonomy.
Balanced Development and Resource Equity
The development gap between Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia remains a core grievance. The electorate will favour parties offering realistic, inclusive, and strategic development blueprints.
Federal Representation and Influence
Sabah’s role in federal decision-making is under increasing scrutiny. There is growing demand for fairer representation in the federal cabinet and national institutions.
Conclusion: One Voice, One Future
PRN17 marks a critical juncture in Sabah’s political journey. It is not simply about who wins or loses, but about whether Sabahans are ready to speak with a unified voice—one that demands fairness, dignity, and genuine partnership in the Malaysian federation.
If local parties can set aside differences and present a slate of competent, visionary candidates, then this could be the moment when “Sabah for Sabahan” becomes more than a slogan—it becomes a people’s movement.
Sabah is ready. The door is open. Now, we await the step that will lead us into a new chapter in the story of the Land Below the Wind.
