The way forward for Sabah after the 17th State Election

THE 17th Sabah State Election delivered results that reveal the evolving expectations of the state’s electorate and the complex political reality in which Sabah now operates. Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) emerged with 29 seats, the largest share in the 73 seat State Legislative Assembly, yet still short of a majority. To form a government, the coalition relied on support from smaller parties and independent representatives. Once this support was consolidated, Datuk Hajiji Noor was sworn in for a second term as Chief Minister. His return created a degree of continuity but the arrangement upon which the administration rests is sensitive and demands careful management. Political authority in Sabah is shaped not only by the ballot box but by the capacity to maintain unity within a diverse coalition whose support is never unconditional.

Voters expressed a clear desire for leaders who understand the distinct challenges of daily life in Sabah rather than those who merely echo political discourse developed in Kuala Lumpur. Issues such as land tenure, native customary rights, rural poverty, the continued neglect of infrastructure and the difficulties faced by coastal communities took centre stage. These matters influence children’s ability to attend school safely, the reliability of water supply for families, the capacity of farmers and fishermen to earn a sustainable living and the ease with which small businesses operate in an environment that supports growth. Sabahans responded strongly to candidates who acknowledged these realities and proposed practical ways to address them.

Parti Warisan Sabah performed impressively by presenting itself as a party closely attuned to Sabah’s identity and aspirations. Many Sabahans feel that national parties often approach the state through the lens of federal priorities rather than through an appreciation of its distinct history and geography. For this reason, Warisan’s message resonated as an authentic voice for local concerns. Whether this support will endure across future electoral cycles remains uncertain but the result clearly signals a desire for leadership that treats Sabah as an equal partner within the federation.

The electorate also communicated a strong preference for stability and competence. Sabah has experienced frequent episodes of political turbulence, which have strained public confidence in those tasked with administering the state. Many voters therefore backed candidates who projected reliability and seriousness. While no party achieved a commanding mandate, the result offered a measured endorsement of leaders expected to provide stability and progress. This endorsement is conditional and hinges on the ability of the new administration to deliver meaningful outcomes.

For Datuk Hajiji Noor and his government, the months ahead represent both a test and an opportunity. The administration must demonstrate progress in essential public services, especially in rural districts. Roads remain heavily damaged in many areas, water systems are inconsistent and electricity supply remains fragile in several communities. Digital access is limited and important public facilities require upgrades. The people of Sabah expect visible improvements that offer real benefits. Early action would reinforce public confidence in the administration’s intentions.

The new government has since introduced a new cabinet structure that, although not a complete overhaul, represents a strategic continuation with meaningful adjustments. This structure offers a fresh approach to infrastructure, human capital development and the strengthening of the grassroots economy. Six key themes mark the changes: utilities, women, the food industry, education, the creative economy and transportation. These enhancements are substantive rather than cosmetic, and their success could reshape service delivery across Sabah.

The first major change is the restructuring of the Ministry of Public Works to include utilities. The inclusion of utilities signals a serious commitment to resolving the longstanding crises of roads, water and electricity.

From a governance perspective, placing these functions together enables more coherent macro planning. It becomes easier to attract and coordinate infrastructure investment across districts, particularly in regions with high poverty levels. Treating these infrastructures as an integrated package reduces the risk of disjointed implementation. If executed effectively, this approach should reduce the incidence of incomplete projects, such as roads that have yet to reach completion, water supply systems that remain unavailable or power infrastructure that still fails to deliver electricity.

The second major change is the establishment of the Ministry of Women, Health and Community Wellbeing.

This enhancement recognises the critical role of women and the broader ecosystem of care. Female labour participation in Sabah remains below 55 per cent, compared with more than 80 per cent for men. At the same time, the state is experiencing demographic ageing, with six per cent of the population already above 65. The proportion is expected to increase significantly. Without a coordinated strategy, Sabah risks facing labour shortages alongside rising health and elderly care costs. This ministry offers a platform to integrate health and socio economic data while mainstreaming the care service economy. It aims both to empower women and to manage demographic change through a deliberate and structured approach.

The third structural shift concerns the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Food Industry. The reintroduction of the food industry element signals that Sabah intends to move beyond the traditional focus on large scale production of raw commodities. Although agriculture contributes nearly 16 per cent of Sabah’s gross domestic product, it produces less than one per cent of jobs because the sector has remained centred on raw output. Emphasising the food industry helps address the persistent challenge of farmers being trapped in low income cycles owing to limited downstream activity. The focus now lies in creating value added processing and encouraging agro based entrepreneurship that can expand economic opportunities in rural communities.

The fourth change is the consolidation of education with science, technology and innovation under a single ministry, now known as the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation. Education and innovation often operate in parallel but seldom intersect meaningfully. Sabah’s decision to create the State TVET Council in 2025, coordinating more than 160 training institutions, represents a pioneering move.

Aligning education with technological and research based initiatives positions Sabah to develop a skilled workforce capable of supporting more sophisticated industries. This approach treats education not merely as a federal administrative responsibility but as a driver of state development.

The fifth enhancement introduces the creative economy to the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The contrast between Malaysia’s national creative economy, valued at roughly RM47 billion, and Sabah’s contribution of only around RM60 million to RM75 million is striking. Despite hosting more than 4,000 events annually, Sabah lags behind states like Penang and Sarawak in economic impact. This disparity suggests that Sabah possesses talent and ideas but lacks cohesive support structures. Integrating the creative economy into a ministry associated with young people opens new opportunities for employment, skill development and entrepreneurship. If implemented effectively, this shift could nurture a modern economic segment with substantial global relevance.

The sixth and final adjustment appears in the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transportation.

The addition of transportation is especially strategic. The ministry now connects industrial development, entrepreneurial activity and logistical mobility. Its purpose is to ensure that Sabah’s products reach markets efficiently and affordably. The formation of the Sabah Logistics Council in 2024 provides an institutional foundation for this goal by coordinating ports, roads, air transport and supply chains under a single platform. This approach treats entrepreneurship not merely as a stand alone venture but as part of a broader ecosystem that includes mobility, processing facilities and market access.

While these structural changes offer promise, their impact depends heavily on the government’s commitment to transparency. Sabahans are increasingly attentive to governance practices. They expect open communication about public spending, clear documentation of the way decisions are made and consistent monitoring of major projects. Without this transparency, the new cabinet structure risks being dismissed as symbolic rather than transformative.

The opposition must also play a responsible role. Parti Warisan Sabah has the opportunity to act as a constructive counterweight by scrutinising policies, challenging weak implementation and proposing well considered alternatives. If the opposition chooses a deliberately adversarial approach, it risks alienating voters who desire political stability rather than persistent conflict. If it participates thoughtfully, it can help advance policies that benefit the state as a whole.

National parties that struggled in the election face their own reckoning. Their platforms often reflect concerns that feel remote from Sabah’s lived experience. If they wish to regain relevance, they need to empower Sabah based leadership, craft state specific policies and demonstrate genuine respect for Sabah’s social and cultural environment.

A discussion of Sabah’s political future requires attention to the Malaysia Agreement of 1963. The agreement established the terms under which Sabah entered the federation and granted autonomy in areas such as natural resources, immigration and fiscal arrangements. Many Sabahans believe these rights have been eroded. The Hajiji administration therefore must approach the agreement seriously, through negotiation with the federal government. A thoughtful reaffirmation of Sabah’s constitutional position would help rebuild trust and demonstrate respect for historical commitments.

Looking forward, the state must focus on rural infrastructure, land rights, economic inclusion and federal state cooperation. These priorities have defined the concerns of Sabahans for decades and remain essential to the state’s long term progress. The new cabinet structure provides a framework for addressing these issues but its success relies on disciplined implementation and sincere engagement with communities.

Ultimately, the significance of this election, and of the cabinet that followed, will be measured not by political rhetoric but by improvements in the daily lives of Sabahans. Once roads are repaired, water becomes reliable, schools are strengthened, rural communities gain new economic opportunities and the talent of the young is nurtured through education and the creative economy, the people’s trust will have been honoured. The mandate delivered by this election is clear. It is now for Sabah’s leaders to respond with determination, integrity and commitment to the welfare of the people.

Footnote

Dr Richard A. Gontusan is a Human Resource Skills Training and Investment Consultant. This article draws inspiration from insights shared by Datuk Dr Ramzah Dambul, Chief Executive Officer of IDS Sabah, on the same subject. Their views expressed in this article are not necessarily the views of The Borneo Post.