Sabah Polls: Economic Development, MA63 Among Main Issues - Analysts

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- Economic development and the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) are expected to be among the key issues in the run-up to the 17th Sabah state election, which could be called soon, said ILHAM Centre research fellow Mujibu Abdul Muis.

He said that in terms of development, the MADANI Government has shown a strong commitment to developing Sabah as reflected in the nearly RM6.7 billion allocation for the state under the Budget 2025.

However, he pointed out that other pressing issues remain, particularly youth unemployment, which at 6.7 per cent in the first quarter of 2025, is the highest in the country.

“Unemployment and job opportunities remain critical issues in Sabah, particularly among young voters, whose numbers have risen since the introduction of automatic voter registration and the lowering of the voting age to 18 in the last General Election,” he said when appearing as a guest on Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara, which discussed the topic ’PRN Sabah - Perkukuh Kesiapsiagaan dan Strategi Inklusif’, last night.

Mujibu added that beyond economic development, the MA63 narrative - centred on Sabah’s rights within the Federation - would also serve as a key political tool.

He believes that both local and Peninsular-based parties seeking to position themselves as the people’s choice in the coming state election must demonstrate that their commitment to MA63 is more than just rhetoric, and that it can be translated into tangible outcomes - much like the efforts being championed in Sarawak.

“The MA63 agreement underscores the principle of equal partnership in Malaysia, particularly in terms of the benefits and entitlements that Sabah should enjoy as part of the Federation,” he said.

“Although it is enshrined in the Constitution, the real challenge lies in how far past and present governments can translate these rights into meaningful economic benefits for the Sabahans. Political parties that grasp this dynamic must strategise wisely,” he said.

On July 14, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof announced that the decision on Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue claim, as stipulated under MA63, is expected to be finalised before Malaysia Day on Sept 16.

Fadillah said a total of 13 claims by Sabah and Sarawak have been resolved - nine under the MADANI Government and four during the previous administration.

Meanwhile, political analyst Dr Sharmin Kutty Sivaraman expressed confidence that voters in Sabah are becoming more discerning in evaluating issues of development and prosperity, even though the state is often regarded as a ‘fixed deposit’ in the national political landscape.

“I believe Sabah voters now display a certain level of rationality in making their choices, but village-based and cultural sentiments remain strong, particularly those tied to religion, race and geography,” he said.

“This will also shape their decision-making, as voters want to ensure Sabah is governed by responsible parties,” said the senior lecturer at INTI International University.

The 16th Sabah State Legislative Assembly will automatically dissolve on Nov 11 if not done earlier, paving the way for the 17th state polls.

-- BERNAMA