Kota kinabalu: The need to discuss and study measures to improve innovation in the electoral system in Sabah must be made an important agenda to ensure the democratic process runs more smoothly in the future. Prof Dr Asmady Idris, the dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), highlighted this necessity, emphasizing the potential benefits of leveraging the latest innovations to enhance voter identification processes currently reliant on identity cards.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Asmady explained that while such innovations promise improved efficiency and thoroughness, they must be carefully studied and discussed, particularly focusing on security aspects, to ensure they effectively aid the electoral process. He suggested that these innovations align with global demands and proposed discussing this further in a seminar. “We are willing to assist. in fact, we have funds for this already,” he stated during an event at UMS.

Earlier that day, Asmady officiated at the closing of the “Sabah State Election: Halatuju Politik Sabah” (Sabah Political Direction) Seminar, attended by Dr Eko Prayitno Joko, head of the Research Unit, Election Research Studies and Borneo Geopolitics (GeoPES). He also underscored the importance of incorporating Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) elements into state development plans, particularly through the government elected after the upcoming 17th state polls.

Asmady stressed that the SDG framework is essential for Sabah, as it ensures continuity of development programs despite changes in leadership. He highlighted the issue of lacking succession plans when leadership changes occur, which hampers ongoing development. With the SDG in place, he advocated for a seamless continuation of existing plans, regardless of political shifts.

Polling for the Sabah state election is scheduled for November 29, with early voting set for November 25.