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SABAH's present political scenario is utterly preposterous. It is Sabah’s greatest problem.

The chart is a huge and grave warning to every Sabahan who value “Sabah for Sabahans”

Sabah has 3 very distinctive characteristics. Racial and religious harmonies are our best attributes by far. All Sabahans are proud of them. The 3rd one is the infamous political mess which has persisted since MA63. Sabah politicians cannot cease fighting, not for Sabah, but for their own egos, self-interest. The present scenario is the worst ever as per chart above.

Sabah has become the political laughing stock in Malaysia. How to take Sabah politicians seriously when we have a bunch of political jokers.

Sabah's constant power struggles are leading to a political meltdown.

Unlike Sarawak, Sabah politicians have not stopped fighting since MA63. These power struggles have been open invitations for non-Sabahan politicians and businessmen to exploit and control our economy and take over ownership. A direct consequence to Sabah’s huge economic problems.

Who are Sabah’s greatest “enemy,”? The cause of stagnant economic growth? The answer is Sabah politicians.

They don’t believe in “United we Stand, Divided we fall”. They have kept on fighting and Sabah keeps on falling for the last 63 years. Their non-stop fighting is Sabah’s economic downfall, the non-payment of 40%, TSA2012, among many other things.

Their ceaseless bickering is our downfall. This is self-created, not inflicted by any outsider. 

The Sabah politicians, as a group, should take responsibility for Sabah’s present dilemma.

Counting the political and economic cost of 2025 election circus.

All Sabahans must be enjoying the on-going political circus in the run-up of this election. It is a circus because only 2 or 3 parties have any meaningful manifestos. Vast majority of the candidates don’t talk sense nor substance.

Most of them are standing for their own ego trip. Too many are ogling lustfully to be CM, DCMs, and Minster of Finance. The lesser ones want to be ministers, YBs or nominated YBs, chairmen and directors of GLCs.

They are prepared to achieve their ambitions by any mean, including creating political uncertainties and inflicting permanent damage to Sabah’s economy. They just don’t care what would happen to ordinary and poor Sabahans. They just want to win, irrespective of the political and economic cost of the political mess that is being create. 

No doubt this political circus is entertaining. How many Sabahans are aware that there are political and economic costs to paid for this circus performance? What are the Political costs.

I pray that a strong government with a decisive majority will emerge from this election. If this fails to materialize, expect heavy political cost, the worst in Sabah’s history! Here some of the cost that will come.

[1] Political instability in a hung DUN is the worst cost.

The new government will not function properly; there will be constant bickering and jostling for influence and positions.

A divided government, like many governments since MA63, will be controlled or subject to outside pressure from Malaya.

[2]  Post election chaos.

Intense horse-trading will ensue If there is no clear single mandate for a party or coalition. The choice of ministers will be compromised candidates, not based on merit and suitability but on political expediency and accommodation. So often has Sabah experienced such a situation in the last 63 years.

[3] Inherent instability. 

The resulting coalition will be fragile, prone to intra-coalition conflicts over cabinet positions and policies. Even with the Anti-Hopping Law, the threat of realignments, constitutional crises (like the 2023 attempt), and internal party dissent remains high. The CM will spend an inappropriate amount of time and efforts managing the coalition at the expense of proper governance. Constant pressure among coalition partners on allocation of development funds.

[4] Amplification of Personality and Identity Politics.

Every so-called leader will consider himself a “big Napolean.” There will be little room for rational politic and sensible policies for the good of Sabah in the short and long terms. Small time politicians will play a disproportionate role. Warlords will dominate; much damage will be inflicted.

More than likely, macro issues will be ignored. Small and localised issues will be given attention. Results will take a back seat.

[5] Loss of political respect for Sabah politicians will be a huge political cost.

Easy to imagine the following scenario:

[i] Can a fragmented, fractious, and divided Sabah Government command respect from PMX and the Federal Cabinet in general?

[ii] Can a fragmented, fractious, and divided Sabah Government command respect from senior federal officials who will formulate policies and their implementation?

[iii] Can a fragmented, fractious, and divided Sabah Government command respect and communicate with foreign governments?

What are the economic costs?

If the 2025 election cannot produce a strong government, chronic political uncertainty directly undercuts the economic potential of Sabah, Malaysia's most resource-rich state. Sabah will continue to be the poorest state.

[1] Severe Deterioration of Investor Confidence.

Nothing can destroy investor confidence faster than a fragmented chaotic government.

Since 2020, some RM58 billion have flowed into Sabah, oil and gas is now a booming industry. So is manufacturing. Can’t take these for granted. Investments are highly sensitive.

Strong government with good policies will attract investors like what it has been since 2020. These investors and new investors will need to be convinced that Sabah has political stability. 

For Sabah’s long term economic growth, we will need large-scale, long-term capital needed for industrialization and value-added manufacturing. 

[2] Policy Inconsistency is very bad for economy: 

A revolving door of weak, temporary governments cannot guarantee the stability and predictability of policies necessary for major investments in land development, resource management, or infrastructure concession contracts. Investors fear that a weak Sabah government will reverse or alter approvals made by their predecessors.

[3] Slow Pace of Development: A weak government's preoccupation with survival and coalition management means that resources and attention are diverted away from the slow, costly, but essential work of upgrading Sabah's critically inadequate infrastructure (roads, water, power, and digital connectivity).

[4] Ineffective Spending: A fragile government is incentivized to allocate funds for short-term patronage or politically motivated projects that satisfy coalition partners, rather than executing comprehensive, multi-year plans like the Sabah Maju Jaya development blueprint.

[5] Perpetuation of Disparity: Without stable, cohesive governance to enforce consistent laws and promote large-scale economic transition (moving away from reliance on raw commodity exports), the overcrowded political landscape locks Sabah into a cycle that exacerbates poverty and economic disparity.

[6] Law reformation will be delayed or forgotten altogether.

Sabah has tons of seriously out of date laws, some as far back as colonial time. These laws are major obstacles to modernise Sabah’s economic system.

A weak government will be unable to undertake, nor will it have the political will to undertake law reforms. This is one of the most crucial problems that must be tackled with the greatest urgency.

Sabah’s future must have a strong united Government led by Sabahan a party. Or Sabah will slide back to economic blackhole again.

Sabahans, don’t kid ourselves. Dead certain there is no future for us and our future generations if Sabah, going forward, has a weak, fractious government, controlled directly or indirectly by outsiders. 

The political leaders who refuse to contribute efforts to form a strong Sabah government must be held accountable for they will reverse Sabah back to the decades old black economic hole.

Under the present Malaysian Federation system, the Sabah government must work with the Federal Government in partnership. The key word is “equal partnership” as provded for in the constitution, not in any way, subservient or submissive like before.

For this, Sabah must have a truly united Sabahan government that can command respect and equality from the Federal Government leaders and senior officials.

Sabahans, especially Sabahans from 18 to 45, your votes will determine your and children’s future:

Think deeply and vote wisely. 

[1] Who has the strength of character and can command respect from Federal leaders and negotiate effectively for 40% and other rights.

[2] Who can grow Sabah’s economy?

[3] Who can manage Sabah’s finance and economy for the benefit of all Sabahans?

[4] Who can attract investments to Sabah and maintain investors’ confidence?

[5] Who can transform the civil service?

Vote for the sabahan leader and his party Which can deliver these.

The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: Forum@dailyexpress.com.my