As Sabah gears up for its upcoming state election, former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has called on voters to prioritize good governance when choosing their leaders. However, he expressed skepticism about the likelihood of this happening, citing the state’s political culture, which he believes is heavily influenced by personalities, party affiliations, and ethnic divisions.
Speaking on Sinar Daily’s Top News Podcast, Dr Mahathir highlighted the challenges facing Sabah’s electorate. “Voters should choose a good government, but they often focus on individuals, parties, or suku kaum (ethnic tribes) rather than governance,” he said. “As a result, we may not get the quality leadership needed.”
A Fragmented Political Landscape
Dr Mahathir painted a vivid picture of Sabah’s fragmented political scene, where the announcement of an election sparks a flurry of new parties, coalitions, and candidates. “As soon as an election is called, everyone wants to form a party or coalition, and individuals rush to contest,” he noted. This leads to a crowded field, with multi-cornered fights splitting votes and allowing candidates to win seats without a clear majority. “The public has to accept the outcome regardless,” he added.
The former prime minister’s remarks come amid ongoing concerns about political instability in Sabah, compounded by issues such as alleged corruption scandals involving assemblymen, natural disasters, and high-profile bullying cases. Despite these challenges, Dr Mahathir cautioned that electoral decisions driven by factionalism could undermine effective governance.
The Challenge of Choosing Leaders
When asked about promising candidates, Dr Mahathir remained cautious, warning that a leader’s true character often emerges only after they assume power. “A candidate may seem impressive before the election, but power corrupts. You see their true colours when they become chief minister or a minister,” he said. Pressed on whether selecting the right leader is a matter of luck, he responded candidly, “More or less.”
A Call for Focus on Essentials
As Sabah navigates its complex political and social challenges, observers have urged voters to prioritize representatives committed to addressing fundamental needs, such as reliable electricity, clean water, and well-maintained roads.
