WHATEVER the result of the elections, it has become clear that Sabahans need to unite to make a difference to our own state. For a long time now I have thought that democracy is the best thing.
But looking at the world today and Sabah in particular the flaws in democracy are clear.
There is too much cut-throat politicking every five years which detracts from the main aim of governance – to better the lives of the people. Because of the elections, long term planning – a clear vision – is never in the minds of politicians who come to power.
This time around, let’s hope that all the issues in Sabah have been made clear and, no matter who is in power, we have a united vision moving forward that will lead to continuity in our development. What should that vision be? Key Issues.
- Poverty. Of the top 10 poorest districts in Malaysia, 8 are in Sabah. Poverty is Sabah in 2024 was at 17.7pc. The national average was 5.1pc.
- Infrastructure development is key to eradicating poverty. Roads, electricity, water supply. I like China’s vision: “A road to every village”. People should be able to move their produce to market with ease. Schoolkids should be able to attend school easily and have the benefit of electricity to study at night. Clean water is essential to hygiene and life.
- Education. “In 2014, the literacy rate for Sabahan males and females in the age group of 15 – 24 years was 87.8pc and 90.1pc, and it rose to 89.5pc and 91.0pc respectively in 2016, before declining to 85.1pc and 85.6pc respectively in 2019.” The pandemic worsened this further. Malaysia’s overall literacy rate was 96.0pc in 2022. Sabah is clearly behind.
We don’t need to look too far for inspiration on how to move forward with education. Just look to Sarawak and the great work they are doing there. Free tertiary education from 2026 for Sarawakians plus a possible annual stipend. Support for early childhood education – when children are given a foundation that will provide lifelong benefits.
A good read on these topics is a report by the Chinese government agencies and the World Bank: Four Decades of Poverty Reduction in China: Drivers, Insights for the World, and the Way Ahead. Since 1980, China has lifted some 800 million people out of poverty.
The report emphasizes sustained development of infrastructure and the importance of education amongst other things. It speaks about relocating people in rural, hard-to-reach places.
Of course, corruption is also an issue in Sabah to be eradicated. Again, maybe we should look to China on how to deal with it.
Faridah Stephens
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