Sabah’s path forward: Inclusive, stable governance

THE 17th Sabah State Election on 29 November once again underscored the dynamism and complexity of politics in the Land Below the Wind. With 596 candidates representing at least 24 political parties vying for 73 seats, Sabahans signalled a strong preference for a legislature that mirrors the state’s rich social, economic and cultural diversity.
The final results, announced by the Election Commission of Malaysia in the early hours of 30 November, confirmed what many observers had anticipated from the outset, namely that the political field was far too fragmented for any single coalition to secure a decisive majority. Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) emerged as the single largest bloc with 29 seats. Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) followed closely with 25 seats, reflecting its enduring support across both the east coast and parts of the interior. Barisan Nasional (BN) secured 6 seats while independents performed unexpectedly well with 5 seats. United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) obtained three seats, STAR Sabah gained two while Pakatan Harapan (PH), Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM) won 1 each. In total, no grouping surpassed the simple majority threshold of 37 seats required to form a government on its own.
Shortly after the results were confirmed, the leader of GRS, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, was sworn in as Chief Minister. His appointment underscored the convention that the leader of the largest bloc is invited to form the government, yet the electoral arithmetic also made clear that the new administration would depend on negotiated cooperation with other parties and independents. The absence of a majority for any single coalition holds significant implications for the next five years. It confirms once more that Sabah politics is shaped by diversity, competition and a deeply plural electorate, and that the state’s future stability depends on a broad based and inclusive approach to governance.
Sabah requires a government that is steady, competent and aligned with the needs of its people. The newly elected assembly reflects the ethnic, cultural and regional variety that has always defined Sabah. The Kadazan Dusun Murut and Rungus heartlands backed candidates from different political blocs, the Bajau- and Suluk-majority constituencies on the east coast remained closely contested while the mixed urban seats around Kota Kinabalu and other major towns continued to mirror the aspirations of an expanding middle class. The presence of a large non Malaysian population, especially in the coastal districts, and the long standing challenges linked to documentation, migration and statelessness further complicate governance. A government that overlooks these complexities risks misunderstanding the lived experiences of ordinary Sabahans, particularly those in rural communities whose concerns often differ from the priorities of urban voters.
The development gaps in Sabah remain considerable. Although Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Papar and Sandakan have witnessed significant growth in recent years, many rural districts still face persistent struggles. In Pitas, Nabawan, Tongod, Kota Marudu and parts of Keningau, families continue to deal with unreliable road access, inconsistent electricity and water supply as well as limited internet coverage. A farmer in Tambunan may find it difficult to transport produce to market in a timely manner while a student in Pamol may face weekly challenges simply to access online lessons. Despite nationwide initiatives to improve digital access and rural connectivity, progress has been uneven. These realities reflect the daily experiences that shape voter sentiments far more than party slogans or campaign rallies.
The election results show that Sabah has once again embraced diversity in political representation. The fact that three coalitions, one major regional party, several smaller parties and a notable number of independents have all secured representation indicates that the electorate is reluctant to concentrate power in any single direction. Political fragmentation is not merely an outcome of competition among party elites, it is also a reflection of Sabah’s social fabric. The people of Ranau, Beaufort, Tuaran and Kalabakan vote according to local contexts, personal trust in candidates, community level issues and expectations of fairness. As a result, any attempt to govern Sabah through a narrow coalition is unlikely to offer stability or continuity.
Given this outcome, the most suitable pathway for Sabah is a broad based coalition that genuinely represents the aspirations of its communities. This form of government requires more than strategic alliances formed solely for the purpose of attaining power. It needs shared principles, clear communication channels, professional administration and a genuine commitment to the spirit of MA63, which underscores Sabah’s rights over land, immigration, natural resources and aspects of local administration. Any government that aspires to govern effectively must integrate MA63 into policy planning, not as a slogan but as a framework for strengthening state capacity and improving the welfare of its people. It requires an agreed framework of cooperation, clear roles and responsibilities, shared decision making and a commitment to transparency. The newly formed administration must recognise that with 29 seats, GRS is the anchor but its legitimacy rests on its willingness to work constructively with Warisan and other parties which together represent nearly half of the electorate. A coalition that includes leaders from the west coast, interior and east coast and from all major ethnic communities would reflect the spirit of unity that Sabahans consistently express in their daily lives, even if their political preferences differ.
One of the more immediate priorities for the new administration is the resolution of land issues. Native customary rights remain a sensitive matter with significant economic implications. In the interior, communities continue to face lengthy delays in securing documented proof of long held land claims. Unclear boundaries between village land, forest reserves and commercial concessions have often led to disputes. A concerted effort by the government to expedite land titling, supported by mobile teams with advanced mapping technology and proper community engagement, would bring immediate benefits. When land rights are documented, families gain security, banks are more willing to provide credit and communities have greater confidence to invest in long term farming or small enterprises. The election results in districts such as Kuala Penyu and Keningau, where land issues featured heavily in local debates, highlight the urgency of this matter.
Another significant matter is the presence of undocumented and stateless individuals. Sabah’s east coast districts, including Tawau, Semporna and Lahad Datu, face the daily realities of managing populations with unclear legal status. Schools, clinics and district offices often carry the burden of addressing issues that are beyond their jurisdiction. A new approach that distinguishes long term residents from recent arrivals, regularises those who qualify and strengthens border administration is essential for progress. The election results in these regions reflected voters’ desire for firm but fair solutions, not populist rhetoric.
Economic diversification remains one of Sabah’s greatest opportunities. While the election campaign featured ambitious promises ranging from new industrial zones to expanded tourism corridors, the effectiveness of these ideas depends on execution. The state possesses abundant natural resources, yet the benefits often concentrate in limited areas. Downstream processing of palm oil, fisheries and timber, if implemented meaningfully, could transform the economies of districts such as Sandakan, Kunak, Beluran and Sipitang. Community based tourism, which has succeeded in Kiulu, Bohey Dulang and Mantanani, can be expanded to other areas with unique cultural and natural assets. The new government must adopt a practical approach that empowers small businesses, supports cooperatives and provides training for local youths to participate in modern industries.
Infrastructure development must continue with stronger accountability. While the Pan Borneo Highway has delivered improvements to many communities, other roads remain in poor condition. In the interior, broken bridges and unpaved roads still hinder access to schools and hospitals. Expanding electrification, water supply and enhancing internet coverage require consistent oversight. When basic infrastructure is dependable, quality of life improves dramatically. A mother in Pensiangan should be able to reach a clinic safely while a student in Ranau should be able to access online learning without interruption. These improvements dispense with grand announcements, relying instead on precise implementation, fair procurement and constant monitoring.
The quality of governance will shape the success of all development plans. Sabah has experienced periods when weaknesses in oversight created opportunities for misuse of public funds. The new government holds an opportunity to demonstrate that transparency is not merely a slogan but a daily practice. Publishing state expenditure, ensuring open tender processes and appointing professionals based on merit would strengthen public confidence. With a legislature containing representatives from many blocs, the assembly can become a more active forum for accountability, provided that members commit to constructive debate.
District level governance deserves serious attention. Local authorities, community leaders and village committees are often more aware of urgent needs than central agencies. A system that delegates funds and authority to the district level, supported by clear guidance and strong oversight, would quicken the pace of development. The experiences of districts such as Kota Belud, which developed successful community driven flood mitigation initiatives, and Tenom, which revitalised its agriculture based enterprises through local planning, demonstrate the effectiveness of decentralised approaches.
Education and youth development must also be central to the state’s agenda. Sabah is home to a young population eager for opportunities. Expanding technical and vocational education, promoting collaboration between training institutions and local industries and introducing support programmes for young entrepreneurs can transform the employment landscape. Many young Sabahans wish to remain in the state but feel compelled to seek opportunities elsewhere owing to limited openings. When training matches industry needs and industries are confident in the local talent pool, the state benefits from greater economic resilience.
As Sabah considers the meaning of the 17th State Election, the message from the electorate is clear. The people desire representation that reflects the diversity of the state and leadership that places public welfare above political rivalry. The results have produced a legislative assembly where cooperation is not optional but essential. The voters have entrusted 73 representatives, drawn from nine parties and several independents, with the responsibility of guiding the state through the next five years. Their collective duty is to rise above partisan interests and pursue a form of governance that is inclusive, transparent and development oriented.
Sabah is a land of remarkable cultural richness and natural beauty. Its people are resilient, generous and deeply rooted in their communities. With a stable and inclusive government, grounded in cooperation among all major blocs, Sabah can embark on a path that honours its heritage and builds a prosperous future. The outcome of the 17th Sabah State Election is both a reminder of the state’s plurality and an invitation to forge unity through shared purpose. If the leaders of Sabah embrace this spirit, the next five years can bring real progress for the people who placed their trust in them.

Footnote

Dr Richard A. Gontusan is a Human Resource Skills Training and Investment Consultant. The issues explored in this article reflect insights gathered from his conversations with Sabahans across diverse walks of life and social strata. His views expressed in this article are not necessarily the views of The Borneo Post.