Kota Kinabalu: With more than 100,000 first-time voters set to cast their ballots, the coming Sabah election will mark a historic milestone as the first to include Undi18.
Domestic Trade and Costs of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Ali reminded Sabah’s youths not to only exercise their democratic right but study the “report cards” of those they would be voting for.
He said this during the “Tamu 360: Aspirasi Anak Muda” town hall, organised by the State Ministry of Youth and Sports and Sabah Youth Council, at SICC.
A total of 972,851 Sabahans or 59 per cent of the State’s population are registered voters as of May 2025.
“Among them, 103,316 are first-time voters, a significant demographic that could tip the balance in many seats.
“This will be the first state election with Undi18 in effect. It’s more than just a number, it’s a responsibility,” he said.
Armizan urged youths to understand real issues like the Malaysia Agreement (MA63) struggle, which he said has often been oversimplified by political parties, and reminded them not to be quick to blame others, as Sabah’s future is also their responsibility.
During the dialogue, youth leaders presented policy suggestions and voiced concerns on issues ranging from home ownership to education and constitutional rights.
A Youth Council representative for Bandau, Kota Marudu, proposed a youth-targeted housing scheme with subsidies for first-time buyers earning between RM3,000 and RM5,000. The idea includes leveraging Sabah Credit Corporation as a mandatory financier.
“Our proof of living in Sabah is a home. Let’s make homeownership a reality for young Sabahans, especially those from the rural areas,” he said.
A Star representative re-ignited discussion around the moratorium on higher learning institutions offering degrees.
He said since 2017, the moratorium has posed a challenge for Sabahan law students in particular, forcing many to study abroad.
“With the lifting, one day, we hope to be on par with Selangor,” he said.
On the financial front, a Gagasan Rakyat representative asked if the State Government could ever collect Sabah’s 40pc revenue.
Armizan then delivered a sharp breakdown of Article 112 of the Malaysian Federal Constitution which stipulates Sabah’s financial entitlement.
He urged youths to understand the legal levers behind the struggle, saying there are many different schools of thought.
“There are some that argue the federal coffers could never be enough, while others warn that even reviewing 112B could nullify 112C.
“But we must be bold. Even the Sabah Law Society has questioned the inaction with a judicial review, a move which I support. If we want to challenge this in court, then we must be ready.
“Until then, old strategies in place will likely result in interim and insufficient arrangements. We need to move beyond political rhetoric. Sabahans need results,” he said, signalling for youths to press on the fight.
