SABAH POLLS: BASIC AMENITIES, MA63 PROMISES DRIVE MANIFESTO APPEAL - ANALYSTS

By Siti Baaqiah Mamat

KOTA KINABALU, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- 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.

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 said parties such as Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional (BN), Warisan and Perikatan Nasional (PN) clearly emphasise the agenda of improving basic infrastructure which has long burdened the people.

“Party manifestos have the potential to influence voters and the outcome of the Sabah polls, especially if the offers are seen as realistic, meeting the basic needs of the people and solving long-standing issues.

“Infrastructure issues such as water and electricity, as well as assurances on job opportunities, are critical to voters and become an important determinant in their consideration when choosing candidates,” he told Bernama.

In PH’s manifesto, key proposals include the construction of a new dam and replacement of old pipes to ensure a more stable water supply, in addition to plans to increase electricity capacity through sustainable energy solutions and the construction of a new power plant.

The GRS manifesto, themed ‘Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga’, also places water, electricity and road issues as top priorities, making them vital components of the coalition’s 16 development strategies.

Meanwhile, BN, through its 'Rancangan Pembangunan Sabah Satu' (RPS1), offers comprehensive upgrading of critical infrastructure including roads, water, electricity and telecommunications, along with a proposal to establish a Sabah Water Commission.

Warisan, on the other hand, plans to construct two dams on two major rivers to meet supply needs, while PN highlights the “Sabah State Infrastructure Reset Plan (PRIN)” with an initial allocation of RM3 billion for restoring treated water supply, urgent road repairs and stabilising the state’s power system.

Syahruddin, who is also a researcher with the Borneo Geo-Politics & Electoral Studies (GeoPES), explained that these issues remain a key determinant of voter support because they directly affect the daily realities of the people, especially in rural areas still facing difficulty accessing basic amenities.

Furthermore, Syahruddin said the issue of the 40 per cent special revenue return to Sabah has emerged as the most unifying element in party manifestos as it carries sentimental value for Sabahans and has a direct impact on the state’s development.

He said the commitment displayed by parties towards this demand signals that state revenue management is now an important benchmark for voters, particularly in assessing Sabah’s ability to finance its own development.

According to him, additional revenue from the 40 per cent entitlement could accelerate the construction of basic infrastructure, improve public services and strengthen the state’s fiscal capacity in the long term.

“This issue carries sentimental value for Sabahans, aside from its financial value which can impact quality of life, community well-being, Sabah’s material development and progress in all technological and sectoral aspects in the state.

“Thus, all political parties are striving to convince the people to view them not only as managers of the 40 per cent revenue entitlement, but also as parties with the merit and capability to implement any development plan based on that state revenue,” he said.

Meanwhile, UMS Senior Lecturer at the Centre for the Promotion of Knowledge and Language, Associate Prof Dr Romzi Ationg, said the manifestos of GRS and PH show clear similarities, especially in their focus on infrastructure, education and public welfare, reflecting cooperation to ensure that MA63 demands and the 40 per cent revenue entitlement can be realised.

“In general, the GRS and PH manifestos show alignment in economic development and service delivery, but differ in emphasis on certain autonomies.

“The alignment reflects promoted cooperation for continuous change, ensuring policy continuity and improvements towards more sustainable development,” he said.

However, Dr Romzi said the influence of manifestos on voters ultimately depends on the credibility and capability of the parties, and the extent to which the people believe the promises can be translated on the ground.

“Some proposals remain aspirational; what differentiates them is the clarity of planning and the party’s capacity to deliver.

“The influence of manifestos is shaped by party credibility, effectiveness of message delivery and current issues, but they still play an important role in guiding voter choices,” he said.

Polling is on Nov 29  while tomorrow is for early voting.

For the latest news on the 17th Sabah State Election, please visit the PRN Sabah portal 

https://prn.bernama.com/sabah/index.php 

--  BERNAMA