Infrastructure upgrades and MA63 rights implementation are key pledges in Sabah election manifestos, with analysts highlighting voter focus on basic amenities and revenue entitlements.
KOTA KINABALU: Major political coalitions contesting the Sabah state election are presenting nearly identical priorities, focusing on resolving basic infrastructure problems and implementing state rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah senior lecturer Associate Prof Dr Syahruddin Awang Ahmad said parties including Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, Pakatan Harapan, Barisan Nasional, Warisan and Perikatan Nasional clearly emphasise improving long-standing infrastructure burdens.
“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,” he told Bernama.
Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto proposes constructing a new dam and replacing old pipes for stable water supply, alongside increasing electricity capacity through sustainable energy solutions.
Gabungan Rakyat Sabah’s ‘Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga’ manifesto places water, electricity and road issues as top priorities within its 16 development strategies.
Barisan Nasional offers comprehensive infrastructure upgrades including roads, water, electricity and telecommunications, plus establishing a Sabah Water Commission.
Warisan plans to construct two dams on major rivers while Perikatan Nasional highlights its “Sabah State Infrastructure Reset Plan” with an initial RM3 billion allocation for water supply restoration, road repairs and power system stabilisation.
Syahruddin explained these issues remain key voter determinants as they directly affect daily realities, particularly in rural areas still struggling with basic amenities.
The 40% special revenue return to Sabah has emerged as the most unifying element across party manifestos, carrying sentimental value for Sabahans and direct development impact.
Syahruddin said commitment to this demand signals state revenue management is now an important voter benchmark for assessing Sabah’s ability to finance its own development.
“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,” he said.
UMS senior lecturer Associate Prof Dr Romzi Ationg said GRS and PH manifestos show clear similarities in infrastructure, education and public welfare focus, reflecting cooperation to realise MA63 demands and the 40% revenue entitlement.
“The alignment reflects promoted cooperation for continuous change, ensuring policy continuity and improvements towards more sustainable development,” he said.
Romzi noted manifesto influence ultimately depends on party credibility and capability to deliver promises on the ground.
“Some proposals remain aspirational; what differentiates them is the clarity of planning and the party’s capacity to deliver,” he said.
Polling for the Sabah state election is scheduled for Saturday.
