Malaysia

Sabah Voters Weigh Economic Progress & Rights as Election Looms

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah – As Sabah approaches a pivotal election, voters are focused on economic advancement and the safeguarding of state rights, issues brought to the forefront by the current Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government. A recent analysis highlights both progress made and challenges remaining, urging voters to consider candidates capable of navigating a complex political and economic landscape.The GRS governance,led by Hajiji,claims to have spurred job creation in the oil and gas and manufacturing sectors,though a skills gap exists with “a serious lack of suitable Sabahans” to fill available positions. Some investors have responded to Hajiji’s call for prioritizing local hiring, achieving over 80% Sabahan workforces.Hajiji’s “open government” initiative has actively engaged young sabahans (SYBIL), the Sabah Professional Council (SPC – with over 5,000 members), and the Sabah Law Reform Council in economic restructuring efforts. the government reports having successfully turned around more than 10 Government-Linked Companies (GLCs) and agencies.

A key achievement cited is the regaining of several rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), notably in the oil and gas sector, including progress on Collaboration Commercial Agreements (CCAs) to increase Sabahan participation.

The analysis emphasizes the need for strong economic management to prevent exploitation by interests from Peninsular Malaysia, labeling such actors as “barracudas.” It calls for leaders with the “savviness, courage, and bravery” to defend Sabah’s interests and enforce “red lines” regarding resource extraction – oil and gas, palm oil (CPO), timber, and land – and joint ventures.

Further priorities include strengthening the Sabah private sector,empowering women and youth,and continuing the “sabah for Sabahans” policy. The piece stresses the importance of voters choosing “smart and courageous leaders” capable of effectively dealing with federal authorities, even when asserting Sabah’s rights requires saying “NO” to external pressures.