THE campaign for Sabah’s 17th General Election (PRN17) officially commenced today, with candidates across the state engaging voters in the run-up to polling day on November 29.
Historian Shaari Jeffri highlighted that candidates who address pressing socio-economic concerns while advocating for Sabah’s constitutional demand for 40% of federal revenue are most likely to win voter support.
"Candidates must highlight solutions for critical issues such as the rising cost of living, inflation, road safety, and essential services like clean water and electricity," Shaari, founder and president of the Borneo History Society, said.
"The high costs of flights, transport, and logistics are driving up prices across the board, including real estate and raw materials."
He added that education, wages, unemployment, and internet access remain key voter priorities. "Candidates who can effectively communicate their solutions will stand a better chance of winning," he noted.
Shaari stressed that the central election issue—the call for Sabah’s constitutional right to 40% of federal revenue—remains the most urgent.
"There must be transparency about the definition, classification, and exact amount of federal revenue collected from Sabah," he said.
As the race intensifies, Sabah’s political landscape is expected to be marked by posters, speeches, and direct voter appeals. Candidates face the challenge of reaching all 73 state constituencies to communicate their platforms effectively.
This follows nomination process closing earlier at 25 centres covering all 73 contested seats, candidates have entered a two-week campaign period. Their efforts include social media outreach, door-to-door visits, public talks, market engagements, island tours, and traversing remote areas to connect with communities.
Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Information Chief of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), echoed the sentiment, saying Sabah has waited decades for the revenue right to be fulfilled. "The court ruling on October 17th, which called for a review of the Special Grant for Sabah from 1974 to 2022, has brought the issue back into the spotlight," he said.
The review meeting will be led by Datuk Johan Merican, Federal Treasury Secretary, with Datuk Seri Safar Untong, Sabah State Secretary, heading the state delegation. Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, Federal Minister for Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, confirmed that the first round of negotiations between the federal and state governments will take place next Monday at Menara Kinabalu. - November 15, 2025
