KOTA KINABALU: Research on political idealism and elections conducted by the Borneo Electoral and Geopolitics Research Unit (Geopes) at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) plays a crucial role in broadening voters’ perspectives ahead of the 17th Sabah state election.
UMS vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor said such studies provide up-to-date information and in-depth analysis on the offerings of political parties and candidates, assisting voters in making informed choices.
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He added that the research is also important because the ‘best package’, particularly in relation to state development and economic proposals presented by parties and candidates, must be implemented by those elected based on their campaign promises.
“This research is also vital in understanding how the people of Sabah shape their political identity, and how these ideals interact with the current political realities. Politics in Sabah is dynamic; studies conducted in January may not fully reflect the present situation, so continuity is necessary.
“Therefore, political and electoral research is not merely about statistics; it is a window into social and economic change,” he said when officiating at the Sabah State Election seminar ‘The Future of Sabah Politics’ at the university here today.
Also present were the Sabah Institute of Development Studies chief executive officer Assoc Prof Dr Ramzah Dambul, and UMS’ Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Prof Dr Asmady Idris.
Kasim said the research can also provide critical information to ensure security in the state, which is often considered ‘volatile’ during elections, by identifying high-risk areas.
“Enforcement agencies, for example, can use the findings of this research to formulate plans to maintain public order and allocate necessary resources,” he said.
He said UMS, through Geopes and related research initiatives, strives to produce studies that meet this objective.
“Geopes highlights findings such as the influence of young voters, internal migration, and identity dimensions on voting patterns. This provides an important factual, balanced, and scientific basis for addressing related issues,” he said.
