Ground sentiment favours Warisan as local parties surge on “Sabah First” spirit, making the state polls a battle for true autonomy.
PETALING JAYA: Sentiment on the ground in Sabah appears to favour Warisan as the leading contender most likely to form the next state government after the election, with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) trailing closely behind.
Fuelled by the strong “Sabah for Sabahan” call, the deepening desire among voters for the state to be represented by local parties seems to have pushed aside the influence of Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH).
Meanwhile, although Barisan Nasional (BN) still has some presence, its appeal cannot match that of the local parties.
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Any gain by Warisan, however, is likely to come at the expense of DAP and PH, particularly among Chinese voters in urban constituencies.
One of the clearest indications of this wave was the move by former federal Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, who on Nov 8 announced his resignation from the Cabinet on principle, particularly his objection to the Attorney General’s Chambers’ stance on Sabah’s claim to 40% of federal revenue.
Barely two days later, his party, the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko), decided to leave PH on Nov 10. The decision, made officially by its supreme council, was rooted in the “Sabah First” principle and the state’s inherent rights under the Malaysia Areement 1963.
This bold step by Upko, returning as a local party to stand on its own, reflects the grassroots strong demand for representation by those who truly understand the pulse of the state.
Upko’s withdrawal from PH, combined with its renewed push for Sabah rights, signals clearly that the future of Sabah’s politics will be shaped under local banners rather than by the political currents of Putrajaya.
This election season may well serve as a referendum on the “Sabah First” spirit, with local parties expected to form their own coalition to lead the Sabah government and potentially emerge as a new bloc that Putrajaya must pay attention to, much like Gabungan Parti Sarawak in the neighbouring state.
The big question now is which bloc Sabahans will choose to administer their state. Will it be Warisan, contesting all 73 seats in this election, or will the GRS government retain the status quo? What will be the fate of Upko after its “sacrifice” in distancing itself from the powers that be in Putrajaya?
In this climate, Warisan appears to hold a moral and symbolic advantage as the most consistent champion of the “Sabah for Sabahan” aspiration. However, fierce competition from GRS and Upko’s return as an independent local party will make the stakes even higher, especially as Sabahans grow more aware of their rights under the original agreement. The election is no longer merely about seats or power, it is about who truly leads Sabah forward in line with promises made to the people.
All our questions will be answered today as 1.76 million voters are expected to fulfil their responsibilities in the 17th Sabah state Election, with 73 state assembly seats up for grabs.
