Kota Kinabalu: Young voters are expected to be a deciding factor in the success of any party contesting in the coming 17th Sabah General Election (GE17), as the State’s political landscape continues to evolve in a more mature and issue-driven direction, according to findings from the Nadi Sabah 2025 study released by the Institut Darul Ehsan (IDE).
The study, titled “Nadi Sabah 2025 – The Voice of the People Ahead of the GE17,” was presented during a press conference at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Friday, led by IDE Executive Chairman Senator Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Mohammad Redzuan Othman.
The research, conducted in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and the Social and Community Research Organisation (PPSK), surveyed 2,488 respondents across all 73 constituencies between August and November, this year.
Redzuan said voters under 40 now represent the most influential group shaping the State’s electoral outcome, describing them as rational, independent and no longer bound by party loyalty.
“Young voters do not have the same partisan loyalty as older generations. They want to see what leaders can deliver now and in the future.
“Whoever can convince them with a realistic and hopeful vision for Sabah’s development will form the next government,” he said.
The Nadi Sabah 2025 survey found that 66.5 per cent of voters will vote based on the individual candidate, not the party, prioritising integrity, service and leadership credibility.
This shift, said Redzuan, shows Sabah’s electorate has matured.
“In Sabah, people are not afraid to change governments. They understand democracy well and have exercised their rights confidently,” he said.
Three main issues are shaping voter sentiment - water and electricity disruptions, poor roads and infrastructure, and rising cost of living.
These priorities vary across regions, urban voters focus on cost of living and MA63 autonomy, while rural voters highlight water, roads and migrant issues.
UMS academic Prof Dr Abdullah Bade said focus group discussions revealed serious education and social challenges in Sabah, including low participation in Science subjects, post-SPM dropouts and poor nutrition among rural children.
“Only 10-12 per cent of SPM students take pure science. Many stop studying after school due to financial issues and join the gig economy,” he said.
He said stunted growth among children and limited access to tools like scientific calculators reflect deeper educational inequality.
“These are small but telling issues that show where government and parties need to focus their policies,” he said.
The survey shows TikTok, WhatsApp and Facebook dominate political awareness among young voters, while TV and radio remain important in rural areas.
“Social media can build perception, but real leadership is proven through governance,” said Redzuan.
During the Q&A session, Redzuan acknowledged challenges in engaging young voters, stressing that parties must sustain outreach beyond election season.
“Youths respond to emotional and social connection, not just campaign money. Continuous engagement is key,” he said, noting that past elections saw youth mobilisation through creative methods such as motorcycle gatherings.
IDE’s Research and Analytics Director Khairul Arifin Mohd Munir said data showed youth voter turnout has been improving, rising from 49.4 per cent in the 2020 state election to 56 per cent in the 2022 general election, following the Undi18 policy.
He said this trend demonstrates increasing political participation among first-time voters but warned that many still lack proper voter education.
“The challenge now is to sustain their awareness and guide young voters through civic education, not through handouts,” he said.
Prof Dr Murnizam Hj Halik of UMS’ Faculty of Psychology and Social Work said young voters today are more open-minded, independent and selective, preferring candidates who show vision, sincerity and community engagement.
“They are not bound by traditional loyalties. What attracts them is authenticity, leaders who show purpose and intelligence, not just popularity on TikTok,” he said.
IDE’s findings also revealed that urban youths and university students are more likely to vote, citing civic duty and belief in change, while working youths and gig economy workers remain less politically attached and more selective.
Prof Abdullah also cautioned that vote-buying, or “penganuan,” remains a significant risk, especially in the final 48 hours before polling day, when inducements can still sway outcomes.
“If it happens, no matter how good your campaign is, it can collapse. That’s why this issue must be addressed,” he said.
Redzuan emphasised that while financial inducements still occur, their influence has declined significantly compared to past elections as a sign of growing voter maturity.
“Although small elements of financial handouts still exist, they are far fewer now. Voters are more discerning, they look for credibility, not cash,” he said.
Redzuan also emphasised that Sabah’s young and diverse voters will determine the State’s political direction.
“Sabah has one of the most dynamic political environments in Malaysia. Its people understand democracy and are not afraid to use it,” he said.
