Angie S Chin
GROWING anxieties over Sabah’s political direction and internal divisions have prompted renewed warnings that the state may be increasingly exposed to external influence at a time when communities remain fractured along political, generational and social lines.
Observers note that Sabahans have long defended their identity and rights “with resilience and pride”, yet many fear the state now appears more polarised than at any point in recent memory.
Communities once closely knit now find themselves divided, while families argue over political allegiances and younger Sabahans question whether their voices still hold weight.
Social media, meanwhile, is said to amplify discord, often clouding local realities with narratives shaped beyond the state.
The core concern being raised is that disunity provides a strategic opening for external actors to shape Sabah’s future.
Commentators caution that if Sabah remains distracted by internal division, “our identity, our resources, and our future could be stripped from us — while we are too distracted arguing among ourselves to even notice.”
At the heart of the debate is the question of how far Sabah should rely on political parties headquartered outside the state.
Those sounding the alarm contend that historical trends demonstrate how local priorities risk being overshadowed when influence flows predominantly from beyond Sabah’s borders, where political power bases and strategic interests differ significantly.
They argue that weakened autonomy, delays in strategic development and diluted accountability can follow when decisions affecting Sabah are shaped elsewhere.
Policy continuity may also become compromised, with each shift in federal politics potentially altering the state’s direction regardless of local needs.
Examples cited include families increasingly split over political loyalties while key decisions are made outside Sabah, young people disengaging from political participation, and communities pulled into debates on religion, ethnicity or district rivalries — often heightened by narratives said to originate externally.
The underlying message is that division leaves Sabah vulnerable, while unity provides safeguards for its future.
As election season intensifies, attention has turned to parties branding themselves as “local” despite allegations that some remain influenced by external interests.
Commentators urge scrutiny of leadership stability, donor origins, candidates’ community roots and whether parties demonstrate a sustained long-term plan rather than appearing only during campaign periods.
Another issue drawing frustration is the limited expansion of postal voting. With more than 200,000 Sabahans reportedly living outside the state, only 22,881 postal ballots were processed, leading to claims that around 10 per cent of Sabah’s electorate were effectively excluded from participation.
Analysts argue that the situation has left many feeling silenced, not through apathy but through systemic constraints.
These concerns have fed into wider calls for Sabahans to remain vigilant against divisive tactics and external pressures.
Public voices emphasise the need for transparent leadership, consistent advocacy for Sabah’s interests and a rejection of fear-driven or identity-based narratives.
They argue that voters should look beyond slogans, evaluate track records and defend community priorities wherever outside interests appear to override local needs.
“Every vote is more than a mark on a ballot paper — it is a voice, a shield, a claim to our future,” Jesselton Times cited one commentary saying, urging Sabahans to “look clearly, think deeply, act wisely” as they navigate the political landscape.
The message, articulated across forums and discussions, underscores a broad sentiment: safeguarding Sabah’s future requires collective vigilance, informed choices and unity of purpose. - November 21, 2025
Angie S Chin
Lead – Vote Wisely Project / SVP for CAMOS (Change Advocate Movement)
