By Remy Majangkim
KOTA KINABALU: In the upcoming State Election, voters will choose not only who fills the 73 seats, but also the future direction and leadership of Sabah’s government.
A healthy democracy relies on three things: voter participation, the politicians, and their track record.
In the 17th Sabah State election, there will be 1.8 million eligible voters to decide the fate of the State.
The Voters
Are you voting in this year’s election? A big portion wanted to participate in this year’s election. However, there are a number of eligible voters unable to attend. The unique position of Sabahans, young and old, has sought employment in Malaya.
It was estimated that around 200 thousand Sabahans who work outside the state are separated by an ocean; most are unable to cast their votes for the upcoming election. As there is no category for Sabah and Sarawak in the postal voter list. This should have been improved and set up by Suruhanjaya Pilihanraya Malaysia (SPRM) way ahead.
So, the ultimate responsibility for the fate of the state lies with those who are physically in Sabah. These too have their own challenges, as many felt that their vote does not matter, as their predicament would not change for the better. In the last state election, voters mostly felt betrayed by their elected representatives who ultimately “jumped ship” in a power struggle amidst the COVID-19 lockdown.
So, what are the corrective measures? We need a strong and unified state government that will push this reform to the Prime Minister’s Office and Suruhanjaya Pilihanraya Malaysia for a new category of postal voters.
The Politician
Are you voting based on personalities or the party? This is a favourite question asked by journalists. In the current political situation in Sabah, a fair observation is that both. In many constituencies, voters are in a dilemma, and some just hit the jackpot to have these conditions.
But ultimately, the collective end results. Many argue that ageing politicians who surpass their shelf life should take a bow and leave it for the next generation of leaders.
There are many upcoming politicians who should be put forward instead of these ageing dinosaurs.
We need new ideas and strong grit to take on the challenge ahead. Voters are sick and tired of empty promises, being ignored after being elected, and finding out they are embroiled in scandalous corruption allegations.
One comment stated that it is the same cycle that has been repeating for the past 30 or more years. Can we break this cycle?
The politician and the party’s past performance.
One question was asked repeatedly: how to choose the right party or candidate? The answer lies in their last performance in managing the state. As a party, what were their collective successes and policies that transcended beyond 20 years?
As an aspiring candidate does, has he or she been planting the seeds before the election year? What was their view regarding the past, current, and future Sabah politics?
Undoubtedly in this election, we will have five to six corner fights; it is the same tactic used in the last general election, with the aim of drowning voters in selecting their candidates.
For example, Malaysia needs activist Siti Kasim to be in parliament, but the popularity of one political party and refusal to make way led to her ousting and a missed opportunity to reform our country.
Finally, the dust settles; the relationship between the State and the Federal Government is crucial to regain our autonomy and reinstate our status as a partner in the formation of Malaysia. Whoever helms the State Government
must have such cooperation in mind with Sabah’s identity.
The recent Sabah High Court ruling on Sabah’s entitlement to its 40% adds an interesting twist. Every locally based political party focuses on the issue. We need to have a consistent and strong state government to follow through on it.
So your vote matters; we all need wisdom to make the right choices. Join in the election and cast your vote, and let your voice be heard.
My personal sharing: last year I attended a Christmas gathering of a political party. As I sat down with my fellow villagers, a bible verse kept trembling with a thunderous roar; it’s Jeremiah 29:11. I reminded those around me, including the host, of its importance and what a coincidence that the coming State Election was held on 29 November this year. Wow.
Shabbat Shalom, everyone, and have a good rest ahead.
