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New Straits Times
9 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Young Sabahans turn to social media amid party scepticism
KOTA KINABALU: A significant number of young Sabahans are becoming politically literate through social media, said Sabah Youth Council president Abqaree Fawwaz Abekan. However, he said that this group of youngsters, aged between 18 and 40, remains sceptical of formal institutions and traditional political parties. Abqaree said younger voters are increasingly looking past party logos and towards individual candidates' track records. "Sabahan youth are primarily concerned with daily, tangible issues such as access to jobs, basic amenities like roads, electricity, clean water, reliable internet, land rights, and the cost of living, especially outside Kota Kinabalu. "This mistrust stems from years of political instability, party-hopping, and leadership that appears inconsistent or out of touch. "Young voters want to see action, not just promises," he told the New Straits Times, while warning of the possibility that they may also decline to vote if there isn't a strong campaign to raise awareness and rekindle interest in choosing credible leaders. While Abqaree said that youngsters, especially from rural Sabah, resonate strongly with the "Sabah for Sabahan" sentiment, Jo-Anna Sue Henley Rampas offered a different perspective on the matter. The research assistant at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) said that while the sentiment continues to gain traction, it is also clear that today's youth are deeply pragmatic. "What they want are realistic policies, meaningful autonomy, and effective delivery mechanisms. "Many are prioritising leadership quality, transparency, and the ability to deliver on real issues: jobs, education, cost of living, and equitable development. "This pragmatism reflects a long-standing political culture in Sabah, where voters are known to cross party lines if it means better governance or greater returns for the state." The former two-time election candidate from Kiulu, who is also studying the political participation of Undi18 voters, said that political parties must rise to the occasion. This state election may well determine whether Sabah's political scene can evolve in step with a younger generation that is values-driven, outcome-focused, and determined to shape a more inclusive and locally grounded future. "If parties continue to neglect youth representation or fail to deliver tangible reforms, they risk being rejected by a generation that's no longer easily swayed by party nostalgia or outdated campaign methods."
Borneo Post
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
GRS yet to decide on PH partnership for Sabah polls
Mohamed Razali (third left) presenting a JKKK appointment letter during the event, while Abqaree (second left) looks on. KOTA KINABALU (May 25): Speculations that Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) will only partner with Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the coming state elections remain a speculation, said GRS executive secretary Datuk Mohamed Razali Mohamed Razi. Mohamed Razali said the word speculation in terms of politics means that anything is possible, as politics itself is dynamic, so for now, GRS has not made any decision on the matter. However, he stressed that at the end of the day, whatever decision they make will be based on the interests of the rakyat. 'So, we leave it to the top leadership to decide, but I reiterate that our objective is to do what's best for the people of Sabah. 'Because GRS does not act exclusively, but inclusively. We have to recognise and appreciate our friends who are not in Sabah. 'To me, that is very important,' he told reporters after the ceremony to hand over Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) appointment letters for the Darau state constituency at Kampung Warisan here today. Meanwhile, Mohamed Razali called for the GRS-led state government to be maintained to ensure political stability as well as the continuity of its various initiatives in addressing longstanding issues such as water, roads and electricity. He did not deny that these issues are prevalent in the Sepanggar area, but assured that the government has been taking action. Mohamed Razali, who is also Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Darau chief, said the government has a direction and has done many things to tackle these problems through documented short and long-term plans, but such issues require time to resolve. 'Hence, we need stability to keep the momentum. And continuity, that is very important. 'If we keep changing governments, the next administration will come in with new policies, and it is the rakyat who will be affected,' he said. Meanwhile, Mohamed Razali said around 500 people had attended the programme at Darau, which was held in conjunction with the 'Jelajah Darau D'Hati' roadshow, jointly organised with the Darau Community Development Leaders Unit (UPPM). He said his team will be travelling from village to village during the roadshow to bring various services to the rakyat, in collaboration with government agencies such as the State Welfare Department and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living. The National Registration Department is also involved in the programme to assist in settling documentation issues faced by the villagers, he said. Other activities held during the Sunday programme include a Rahmah Sale as well as a Mobile Legends e-sports competition, as he highlighted the need to involve the youth in community events. Also present was UPPM Darau head Abqaree Fawwaz Abekan.
