By Remy Majangkim
KOTA KINABALU: With just a month left until Sabah heads to the polls, analysts and everyday citizens alike are poring over opinion surveys, searching for any hint of what lies ahead.
Months of rallies and political drama have yielded little clarity. Most commentary is still a swirl of speculation, with analysts repeating the same refrain: “It’s too close to call.”
What forces are at play behind this uncertainty? Why does the race remain leaderless in the polls this time around?
Sabah voters are famously discreet, choosing silent resolve over noisy rallies or fiery debates. Many have quietly made up their minds and moved on with their daily life. This calm demeanor has pushed both State and Federal Governments to double down on promises, eager to win over these steadfast, silent deciders, as evidenced by the UEC recognition, more budget for Sabah in 2026 (but not Sabah 40%), and much more.
There are two main contenders in the next General Election, Warisan and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), with a total of 73 seats up for grabs. The main question was whether Warisan lost fairly in the last election? The answer to that is no, Warisan had secured their seats and poise with the voter confidence to form a Government in 2020.
However, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, which saw a betrayal by their representatives, with the Federal Government under Perikatan Nasional. Malayan Parties such as DAP, PKR, and local party UPKO decided to leave Warisan. Together they form Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) with UMNO, BN, PGRS, STAR, PBS,SAPP,DAP, PKR, UPKO, and an independent candidate. However, their unholy alliance comes with two glaring twists.
Under the Sabah State Constitution, Warisan is the rightful winner in the 2020 State election, as they are the winner from “a” political party and “a” leader of “a” political party, as deemed under Article 6(7). GRS is a merger of political parties that did not win the majority of the seats, thus it does not satisfy the definition of a “majority.” The final nail in the coffin is that GRS was not a registered political body; rather, Warisan fulfilled the criteria. So,the final decision then rests on the last sitting TYT, with advice from the State Attorney General, who declared GRS as the winner.
This unholy alliance comes with a steep price and a good lesson for all Sabahans. That betrayal does not pay. Over the years, we all suffered a lack in basic needs such as roads, Water, and electricity, compounded with yearly heavy rain, landslides, sadly with loss of lives. As we move closer to election day, we are in front row seats, watching alleged corruption practices by our politicians involving our natural resources. It seems that the universe or karmic power is working extra hard to remind us of the injustice that occurs.
Local parties such as KDM, Anak Negeri, and Impian Sabah are slowly making their presence felt. The mountainous regions such as Kiulu, Ranau, Paginatan, and Kundasang, heartland for Momogun, will be an interesting battlefield. The coastal towns such as Sandakan, Tawau, Kudat, and Kota Kinabalu are the vantage points for the mood of the country, leading up to the 15th General Election in 2027. The Chinese voters will decide the fate of DAP, PKR, and ultimately Pakatan Harapan. Will the voters forgive and decide to continue the current trajectory?
Most argue to expect the unexpected, and this will be an interesting election to watch. Have a great weekend ahead.
