Kota Kinabalu: Sayang Sabah Community Club Deputy President Steve Johnny Mositun expressed concern over the lack of young and female candidates in the 17th state election, calling it a missed opportunity for more inclusive representation.
He said the current candidate list reveals that political structures remain slow to recognise new voices despite young people forming nearly half of the electorate. In some cases, the women were fielded seemingly because they happened to be daughter of party presidents. And in one case a husband and wife are offering themselves as candidates.
“It is troubling that only eight candidates are below the age of 30 despite young people carrying the weight of Sabah’s future on their shoulders,” he said in a statement.
He said the low participation of women, with just over 70 describing it as a reminder that women remain underrepresented in institutions that shape their daily lives.
He said the imbalance does not reflect a shortage of capable leaders but that parties have been slow in opening their doors to diverse candidates.
“Young people today are educated, resilient and involved in community issues. Yet too often they remain confined to the sidelines instead of being trusted with real leadership roles,” he said.
He said women who serve as the backbone of communities and civil society, deserve greater space to lead in shaping policy and governance.
He said political parties must move beyond applauding youth and women during speeches and empower them during candidate selection.
“This election should not only be about who wins seats, but about whether Sabah is willing to embrace a new generation of leaders who can bring fresh ideas and lived experiences to the table,” he said.
He called on political leaders, party elders and community stakeholders to commit to doing better in future elections.
“Our democracy grows stronger when all voices are heard, and I am confident that Sabah’s youths and women can play a bigger and more decisive role in shaping our shared future,” he added.
