SABAH’S future is on the line. Two administrations have shaped what’s to come, each leaving a lasting mark on the state’s political and economic landscape.
Warisan, with just two years in power, set policies in motion that continue to define the state today.
In contrast, GRS has had five years to push forward with ambitious promises. But when it comes to shaping Sabah’s destiny, Warisan’s bold moves will echo for years - despite their brief time at the helm.
Warisan’s two-year Legacy: laying the blueprint
Warisan’s short-lived rule may have been derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but those two years were enough to plant the seeds of change.
The administration’s bold decisions weren’t just political gestures - they were calculated risks that have paid off in ways we’re still seeing today.
Had Warisan been allowed to serve a full term, the potential for change in Sabah was vast.
The state was even on track to produce its own cooking oil, a groundbreaking initiative that would have boosted local jobs and reduced reliance on imports.
But the pandemic stalled these plans, leaving Warisan unable to fully execute its vision for the state. Yet, the groundwork was done, and the ripple effects are still felt today.
The sales tax that changed everything
Warisan’s 5% sales tax on petroleum products was a gamble in 2020.
It faced harsh criticism, with many calling it political suicide. But today, it’s a revenue lifeline for the state.
At over RM2.45 billion, it’s become one of Sabah’s largest revenue streams - and it’s not stopping there.
When GRS took over, they expanded the tax, adding ammonia and urea to the taxable list, pushing collections even higher. Warisan’s risky move is still paying dividends today.
State autonomy: Claiming What’s Rightfully Ours
Warisan’s drive for state autonomy was clear. The administration made bold moves to assert control over offshore resources - a theme that has defined Sabah’s recent history. In 2019, Warisan transferred Pulau Sipadan and Ligitan to Sabah Parks Authority, ensuring that tourism revenue would stay in the state. This move helped bolster local economies and gave Sabah more control over its resources.
Then came the Sabah Land Ordinance amendment, which redefined “land” to include the seabed and subsoil beyond Sabah’s territorial waters.
This was a direct step to secure Sabah’s rights over offshore oil and gas reserves. Warisan didn’t just talk about autonomy - it acted on it, laying the foundation for future negotiations with the federal government.
Education and social reform: bold steps, big consequences
Warisan wasn’t just about resource control. The administration also took major strides in education reform. One of its most controversial decisions was the recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC). This move allowed graduates from Chinese independent schools to apply for jobs in the state civil service - something Malaysia had never seen before. It sparked national debate, but Warisan set a new precedent that GRS has inherited. It wasn’t just a local policy shift; it was a move that changed the national landscape.
Warisan’s social reforms weren’t just about immediate fixes, they were about laying the foundation for the future. Their early response to COVID-19 included RM600 million in relief, helping Sabahans stuck in Peninsular Malaysia and implementing early lockdowns, which likely helped curb the virus’s spread in the state. The pandemic halted much of Warisan’s development agenda, but their leadership in crisis is undeniable.
GRS: Five years of building on what was started
Enter GRS. The coalition inherited a state in crisis, struggling with the pandemic and Warisan’s unresolved legacy. But GRS had five years to take Warisan’s groundwork and build upon it. How far have they gotten? And is the vision as solid as the foundation Warisan laid?
The Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan: From vision to reality
GRS’s flagship initiative, the SMJ Development Plan, aims to turn Sabah into a self-sustaining powerhouse. They’ve revitalized infrastructure with the Pan-Borneo Highway expansion and made strides toward addressing rural Sabah’s long-standing utility issues. But while progress is evident, it’s far from perfect. Rural Sabah still faces power cuts, water shortages, and roads that need attention. GRS has made moves, but the road ahead is still long, and delivering on their promises will be a true test.
Energy security: A new dawn for Sabah’s resources
One area where GRS has made a significant mark is in energy security. The Petronas-Sabah Commercial Collaboration Agreement (CCA) was a game-changer, ensuring that Sabah would finally get a fair share of its oil and gas resources - something Warisan had pushed for but couldn’t fully secure. The CCA didn’t just bring guaranteed energy - it laid the groundwork for SMJ Energy, a state-owned company focused on renewable energy with projects in solar and hydroelectric power.
Housing and investments: Keeping up the momentum
Housing is another area where GRS is following in Warisan’s footsteps. Their Rumah Mesra SMJ initiative promises to deliver thousands of homes to low-income Sabahans, keeping affordable housing on the agenda. Meanwhile, GRS has fast-tracked approvals for developments like the Hyatt Centric Hotel in Kota Kinabalu, a symbol of GRS’s commitment to urban growth and investment.
Despite these wins, GRS still faces challenges. Infrastructure issues are far from resolved, especially in the rural heartlands where basic services are still lacking. GRS has the time, but can they deliver on the promises they’ve made?
The Showdown: Warisan’s impact vs GRS’s ongoing effort
Warisan’s two-year legacy was short, but its policies are still shaping Sabah. The sales tax, state autonomy, and education reforms they implemented have lasted beyond their time in office. Now, GRS is trying to do more -revamping infrastructure, securing energy deals, and attracting greater investment. They’ve had more time, but the question remains: Is it enough?
COVID-19 was a major factor in Warisan’s downfall, but their quick response to the crisis showed leadership when the state needed it most. GRS had the advantage of stability, but the true test will be their ability to close the gap between urban and rural Sabah and deliver on long-term promises.
This is not about politics - it’s about recognizing what both administrations have achieved. What has been done, what’s still unfolding, and what promises remain to be kept. The voters of Sabah need to understand what’s been accomplished, not just what’s been promised. The stakes are high, and the future of Sabah is in the hands of the people.
Who will win the future?
2025 is an election year. The people of Sabah will soon decide which direction the state takes. Will they stick with GRS, continuing the push for development and energy security? Or will they recognize the legacy left by Warisan and give them another chance?
The choice voters make will define Sabah’s future. The foundation laid by Warisan is still shaping Sabah today, but can GRS build on it and finish what was started? The future is in their hands. The question is: Will they choose wisely? - October 21, 2025
