Kota kinabalu: Major parties contesting in the 17th Sabah State Election are presenting almost similar priorities by focusing on the most pressing issues, particularly involving the resolution of basic infrastructure problems and demands related to state rights.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, among the promises highlighted ahead of polling day this Saturday are improvements to clean water supply infrastructure, enhanced electricity supply, the construction and upgrading of road networks, and the full implementation of Sabah’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Senior Lecturer Associate Prof Dr. Syahruddin Awang Ahmad noted that parties such as Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional (BN), Warisan, and Perikatan Nasional (PN) clearly emphasize the agenda of improving basic infrastructure which has long burdened the people. He stated that party manifestos have the potential to influence voters, especially if the offers are perceived as realistic and address long-standing issues.
PH’s manifesto includes proposals like constructing a new dam and replacing old pipes to ensure a stable water supply, along with plans to increase electricity capacity through sustainable energy solutions. GRS’s manifesto, themed ‘Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga’, also prioritizes water, electricity, and road issues as part of its 16 development strategies. BN, through its ‘Rancangan Pembangunan Sabah Satu’ (RPS1), offers comprehensive infrastructure upgrades and proposes establishing a Sabah Water Commission. Warisan plans to construct two dams to meet supply needs, while PN proposes the ‘Sabah State Infrastructure Reset Plan (PRIN)’ with an initial allocation of RM3 billion for infrastructure improvements.
Syahruddin, who is also a researcher with the Borneo Geo-Politics and Electoral Studies (GeoPES), explained that these infrastructure issues remain a key determinant of voter support, especially in rural areas. He also highlighted that the issue of the 40 per cent special revenue return to Sabah is a unifying element in party manifestos, signaling a focus on state revenue management as an important benchmark for voters.
According to him, additional revenue from the 40 per cent entitlement could accelerate infrastructure development and strengthen the state’s fiscal capacity. He remarked that political parties aim to convince voters of their capability to manage the 40 per cent revenue entitlement effectively and implement development plans.
UMS Senior Lecturer at the Centre for the Promotion of Knowledge and Language, Associate Prof Dr. Romzi Ationg, observed that the manifestos of GRS and PH show clear similarities in their focus on infrastructure, education, and public welfare, reflecting cooperation to ensure MA63 demands and the 40 per cent revenue entitlement can be realized. He noted that while manifestos influence voters, the credibility and capability of the parties ultimately determine their impact.
Polling is scheduled for Nov 29, with early voting taking place tomorrow.