TAWAU: The name Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah is well-known in Sabah’s political landscape, particularly in the Merotai constituency.
As a former Minister of Youth and Sports in Sabah, Tan Sri played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of the Tawau and Kalabakan regions during the 2000s.
His firm leadership style and close ties with the grassroots made him one of the most influential local figures at that time.
“We still recall that during the 2004 Sabah State Election (PRN), Tan Sri won the Merotai seat under the Barisan Nasional (BN) banner through the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
“This victory paved the way for Tan Sri’s appointment as the Minister of Youth and Sports in Sabah, further solidifying his position in the state cabinet. We regard Tan Sri as a symbol of success for the local youth of Merotai in the state’s political arena,” said Merotai native Alias Burhan.
However, during the 2008 PRN, he noted that Tan Sri’s political journey took a turn when he was no longer nominated by the LDP.
“We felt it was a loss for us in Merotai because Tan Sri had brought about many changes here.
“Yet, we are impressed that even without contesting, Tan Sri remained active through charitable work and community activities.
“His charisma continues to be remembered, especially among the older generation in Merotai who experienced his leadership firsthand,” Alias remarked.
After more than a decade, Tan Sri returned to the political arena in the 2020 Sabah State Election as a candidate for Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (PHRS), the party Tan Sri himself founded.
However, the new political tide did not favor Tan Sri as he lost to the WARISAN candidate, Sarifuddin Hata, who won by a fairly large majority.
The defeat is a clear sign of a shift in voter political preferences, with voters now leaning toward younger and more progressive candidates.
Alias’s perspective was also shared by Idham Sulaiman, the son of a small-time trader (representing the younger generation of Merotai).
Now, as the 17th State Election approaches, Tan Sri’s name is being mentioned again in Merotai.
As the President of PHRS, along with the GRS coalition, Tan Sri is seen to still have influence at the grassroots level.
“However, many observers believe it is time for Tan Sri to make way for a new, younger, more visionary candidate who can continue the struggle with a fresh approach,” said Idham.
According to him, Tan Sri has served for a long time and contributed a lot, but current politics demands new energy.
Young people need to be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities. If Tan Sri truly wants to ensure the continuity of development in Merotai, the wisest step is to support the new candidate agreed upon by the coalition,” said Idham.
In the current context, Idham said it is also important for Tan Sri to save face for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (PMX), who previously gave the impression that a former Secretary General of a federal ministry (KSU) who is also a native of Merotai should be given the opportunity to serve in the Merotai area.
Political signals like this should not be taken lightly because they convey a message of harmony and agreement between GRS and PH in Sabah, in addition to Tan Sri’s political ‘survival’.
“We humbly request that Tan Sri maintain the harmony of the coalition as it is more important than pursuing positions.
“If Tan Sri continues to show loyalty and respect the decisions of the GRS leadership, Tan Sri will be remembered not as a disappointed candidate but as a big-hearted statesman,” he said.
In modern politics, a leader’s wisdom is not only measured by victory at the ballot box but also by their ability to read the future.
Giving way to younger candidates doesn’t mean stepping down, but rather signifies maturity in politics to ensure the struggle doesn’t end with just one generation.
We acknowledge that Tan Sri has made his own history in Merotai. No one can deny it. However, now it’s time for Tan Sri to write a new chapter, not as a candidate, but as a mentor and guardian of the local political legacy.
“By making way for new faces and respecting the decision of the GRS leadership, Tan Sri not only strengthens Sabah’s political stability but also ensures that the struggle of the people of Merotai continues to live on with a fresh and authoritative breath,” he said.
NOTA – The views expressed by the residents of Merotai are personal and do not represent any organization or other party.
