Latest news with #JonathanNicholas
Daily Express
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Over 100,000 voting first time
Published on: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 29, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: Armizan urged youths to understand real issues like the Malaysia Agreement (MA63) struggle, which he said has often been oversimplified by political parties, and reminded them not to be quick to blame others, as Sabah's future is also their responsibility. Kota Kinabalu: With more than 100,000 first-time voters set to cast their ballots, the coming Sabah election will mark a historic milestone as the first to include Undi18. Domestic Trade and Costs of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Ali reminded Sabah's youths not to only exercise their democratic right but study the 'report cards' of those they would be voting for. He said this during the 'Tamu 360: Aspirasi Anak Muda' town hall, organised by the State Ministry of Youth and Sports and Sabah Youth Council, at SICC. A total of 972,851 Sabahans or 59 per cent of the State's population are registered voters as of May 2025. 'Among them, 103,316 are first-time voters, a significant demographic that could tip the balance in many seats. 'This will be the first state election with Undi18 in effect. It's more than just a number, it's a responsibility,' he said. Armizan urged youths to understand real issues like the Malaysia Agreement (MA63) struggle, which he said has often been oversimplified by political parties, and reminded them not to be quick to blame others, as Sabah's future is also their responsibility. During the dialogue, youth leaders presented policy suggestions and voiced concerns on issues ranging from home ownership to education and constitutional rights. A Youth Council representative for Bandau, Kota Marudu, proposed a youth-targeted housing scheme with subsidies for first-time buyers earning between RM3,000 and RM5,000. The idea includes leveraging Sabah Credit Corporation as a mandatory financier. 'Our proof of living in Sabah is a home. Let's make homeownership a reality for young Sabahans, especially those from the rural areas,' he said. A Star representative re-ignited discussion around the moratorium on higher learning institutions offering degrees. He said since 2017, the moratorium has posed a challenge for Sabahan law students in particular, forcing many to study abroad. 'With the lifting, one day, we hope to be on par with Selangor,' he said. On the financial front, a Gagasan Rakyat representative asked if the State Government could ever collect Sabah's 40pc revenue. Armizan then delivered a sharp breakdown of Article 112 of the Malaysian Federal Constitution which stipulates Sabah's financial entitlement. He urged youths to understand the legal levers behind the struggle, saying there are many different schools of thought. 'There are some that argue the federal coffers could never be enough, while others warn that even reviewing 112B could nullify 112C. 'But we must be bold. Even the Sabah Law Society has questioned the inaction with a judicial review, a move which I support. If we want to challenge this in court, then we must be ready. 'Until then, old strategies in place will likely result in interim and insufficient arrangements. We need to move beyond political rhetoric. Sabahans need results,' he said, signalling for youths to press on the fight. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
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Daily Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Dismissive attitude towards Borneo Bloc led to political shift: Hajiji
Published on: Monday, July 28, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 28, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor ( pic ) said the lack of respect shown towards the Borneo Bloc by the previous federal leadership prompted him to reconsider his political alignment. He recalled a meeting in Kuala Lumpur with Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun and Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan where a senior federal leader dismissed the idea of a united Sabah and Sarawak voice. According to Hajiji, the leader's comment, declaring himself as 'the Master,' signalled a clear disregard for the Borneo Bloc's aspirations and Sabah's role in shaping its future. Speaking during the Gagasan Rakyat AGM on Sunday, Hajiji, who is also Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Chairman and Gagasan Rakyat President, said the incident led to deep reflection and eventually convinced him that change was needed for the sake of Sabah. He said the Unity Government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had taken Sabah's longstanding concerns seriously, particularly those related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Hajiji stressed that GRS backs the current government because it respects Sabah's dignity and has begun to deliver on long-overdue commitments such as the devolution of powers. He confirmed he would join Anwar during his visit to Sabah today, with cross-border cooperation and regional concerns in the Sulawesi Sea expected to be among the key matters discussed. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Delaying youth age cap sidelines young voices: Yeoh
Published on: Sunday, July 27, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jul 27, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: Federal Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh ( pic ) has cautioned that delaying the enforcement of Malaysia's youth age cap could marginalise younger voices in leadership. She said without change, individuals over 30 would continue to dominate youth platforms, resulting in repeated narratives rather than fresh perspectives. Yeoh was responding to concerns from Sabah and Sarawak over the Youth Societies and Youth Development Act 2019, which sets the youth age limit at 30. The Act will come into force on 1 January 2026 for organisations registered under the Registrar of Youth (ROY). She noted that while youth groups under the Registrar of Societies (ROS), such as Sabah's Youth Council and Saberkas, are not bound by the age cap, their leaders over 30 should consider transitioning into alumni roles to continue contributing. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Don't let others decide: Masidi
Published on: Sunday, July 27, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jul 27, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: Masidi (centre) with Gagasan Rakyat Youth and Women members at the assembly. Kota Kinabalu: Sabahans must be like Sarawakians and learn to think independently as well as stop relying on external influence if they want to progress. Gagasan Rakyat Deputy Chairman Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun told delegates attending the party's AGM at SICC, Saturday, that Sabahans must embrace not just physical freedom but mental independence as true sovereignty lies in the mindset, not just in votes. 'We're not just talking about land, borders, or who governs. Mental independence is even more important. We need to think for ourselves, based on our own Sabah identity. Not follow what outsiders tell us what is right. 'Sabah must no longer wait for outsiders to guide or dictate our future. We have to love this land enough to shape it ourselves with our own values, our own rhythm, our own voice,' he said. Quoting the Sabah anthem 'Sabah Tanah Airku, merdeka sepanjang masa', Masidi said the lyrics still hold meaning today and represent the vision of past Sabah leaders, a vision that must be revived and defended. 'Sabahans often compare the state with Sarawak, admiring its political stability, development pace and unity. But for Sabah to reach that level the people must first shift their mentality and attitudes. 'If we want to be like Sarawak, then we must think and act like Sarawakians. 'Prioritise political stability. Prioritise continuity. In Sabah, our biggest issue is frequent government changes,' he said. Masidi pointed out that while Sarawak is only on its sixth Premier, Sabah has already had 16 Chief Ministers which is evidence of how unstable the political climate has been over the decades. He supported proposals to limit the Chief Minister's term to two terms, a reform already implemented at the federal level, saying it would allow for leadership renewal and prevent over-concentration of power. The idea has been informally agreed to by the state Cabinet, but requires further legislative support. 'The Cabinet agrees in principle. But whether we have the two-thirds majority in the State Assembly to pass it, that's another matter. Still, we believe it's the right direction. 'Such frequent changes make it difficult to focus on long-term plans, solve core infrastructure issues, or implement consistent development. 'Every time we change governments, it takes time to start over. So how can we truly move forward when we're always going back to square one?' he said. He said Sabah has enough resources, talent, and potential but what's lacking is the willingness to work together without ego. He noted that political players in the state are too often focused on winning for themselves, instead of for the people. 'This is the problem. Everyone wants to win, but not everyone wants to get their hands dirty. If politics here remains a game of who must win and who must lose, we will never be united and Sabah will always be stuck in the same cycle.' Masidi described this mindset as toxic and said it is time for Sabah's political culture to mature, move away from narrow personal interests and focus on collective state building. Responding to questions about whether party components are ready to unite ahead of the coming state election, he said now is the time to stop petty quarrels and start thinking like a team. 'Politics shouldn't be about who's more powerful, it should be about who's more willing to work,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Gagasan Rakyat Youth 90 per cent ready for Sabah election
Published on: Saturday, July 26, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jul 26, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: Gagasan Rakyat Youth chief Datuk Fairuz Renddan ( pic ) said the party's youth wing is 90 per cent prepared for the upcoming 17th Sabah state election, which may be called at any time. Addressing the Gagasan Rakyat Youth Conference at SICC on Saturday, he highlighted that nearly 60 per cent of voters in Sabah are youth, positioning them as a key influence in shaping the state's leadership. Fairuz, who is also the Pintasan assemblyman, encouraged youth members to concentrate on campaign readiness rather than lobbying for candidacy. He said the Youth's task is to support the party president and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and to help deliver a strong result for the party. With 90,000 members statewide, Gagasan Rakyat Youth is expected to be fully mobilised once the state assembly is dissolved. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
