By Mohd Khairy Abdullah
SOOK, Sabah (Malaysia), 31 December 2025 — The 17th Sabah State Election (PRN-17) was meant to symbolize a renewal of democracy. Instead, the reality is harsher: promised change proved illusory, while money politics and compromised principles continue to dominate the state’s political arena.
The GRS-led state government faced corruption allegations and ethical controversies before the election, yet candidates with substantial financial resources still won the hearts of voters. Observers note that Sabah’s democracy appears to be sold to those who can pay, rather than to those with merit or integrity.
The issue of Sabah’s 40 percent revenue entitlement, legally upheld by the courts, became a flashpoint. The Federal Government’s decision to appeal and delay full recognition sparked widespread public frustration, reinforcing the perception of Sabah as a peripheral region within Malaysia’s federal structure.
In this context, UPKO took an extraordinary step: leaving Pakatan Harapan, with its president, Datuk Ewon Benedick, resigning from the federal ministerial post. This move was not symbolic; it sent a clear message that Sabah’s rights and dignity cannot be bargained away for political expediency.
The slogan “Sabah First” reflects long-standing public disappointment with empty promises from the central government and a rejection of Semenanjung elite politics. Yet, this new narrative was tested immediately after PRN-17, when a new state government led by Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor was formed, including Independents and Barisan Nasional members. This raises a fundamental question: is the people’s mandate truly respected, or merely treated as a political commodity?
The phenomenon of money politics has become the decisive factor in elections. Competent candidates lost to wealthier opponents, demonstrating that integrity has lost to financial power, and Sabah’s democracy risks being dominated by a political oligarchy.
Amid this disappointment, Parti Warisan again failed to capture the state. However, significant support from Chinese voters for Warisan marginalized DAP’s influence, underscoring that Sabah’s political dynamics cannot be understood solely through the lens of Peninsular politics.
In conclusion, PRN-17 Sabah shows that real change remains out of reach for the people. True power lies in the courage of citizens to demand their rights, assess leadership critically, and reject money politics and principle compromises. Without such courage, the illusion of change will continue to trap Sabah — democracy becomes mere theatre, while power rests with those who can afford it.
Think about it.
#Sabah First
Happy New Year 2026.
