OCTOBER 26 — Sabah stands on the edge of another election, and once again, we are being told that this is a “new beginning.” But for many Sabahans, life still feels the same — the same old roads filled with potholes, the same unreliable water and electricity, the same promises that fade once the votes are counted.
This time, we cannot afford to repeat history. This election is not just another political contest. It is a test of whether we, the people of Sabah, are ready to demand real change to choose leaders, who serve with integrity, not self-interest; who work for the rakyat, not for their own power.
Integrity over empty promises
For too long, corruption and party-hopping have weakened Sabah’s foundations. We have seen leaders change sides overnight, not for the people, but for position and profit. This must end. Sabahans deserve leaders who are honest, consistent, and accountable. Integrity must no longer be optional; it must be the minimum standard.
True leadership means being answerable to the people who elected you, not to hidden interests or political deals. The time has come to reject corruption in all its forms, from vote-buying to project manipulation and to choose candidates who respect the trust of the rakyat.
Development that reaches everyone
Sabah is blessed with natural wealth, yet too many of our communities still live without clean water, stable jobs, or good healthcare. This is not due to fate; it is the result of weak governance and misplaced priorities.
We need leaders who understand what it means to live in hardship and who are willing to roll up their sleeves to solve real problems, not leaders who appear only during campaign season. Development is not about ribbon-cuttings and photo ops; it’s about changing lives.
Defending Sabah’s rights
The Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) was meant to ensure fairness and equality for Sabah within the federation. But decades later, we are still asking for what was promised; fair revenue, equal treatment, and control over our own resources.
Sabah needs leaders who will negotiate with dignity and skill, not just make noise in front of cameras. Our rights are not bargaining chips. They are the foundation of our future.
The voice of youth and hope
As someone who has seen Sabah’s potential from the ground whether through community work or representing our state on the global stage, I believe our youth are Sabah’s greatest untapped strength.
Young Sabahans are creative, resilient, and idealistic. But too many leave for opportunities elsewhere because they feel ignored at home. It’s time for leadership that listens to them, empowers them, and includes them in shaping Sabah’s future.
Vote with courage and conscience
Every vote matters. This election is not about loyalty to any party, it’s about loyalty to Sabah’s future. We must vote with clear eyes and strong hearts, choosing those who will build, not divide; who will serve, not enrich themselves.
Sabah has waited too long for honest governance, for fair opportunities, for dignity. Let’s make this the election that changes our story, not through slogans, but through the strength of our collective voice.
The future of Sabah is in our hands. Let’s choose courage. Let’s choose integrity. Let’s choose leaders who truly serve the people.
* Dr Yusuf Ahmad is a development economist based in New Jersey, USA. He was born in Semporna, Sabah, and had served with the World Bank in Washington DC for more than 15 years. He is an expert in poverty reduction and governance and has published in many reputable journals. Outside his professional career, he is also a marathon runner who uses sports to promote messages of integrity, transparency, and hope for Sabah’s future.
** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
