A Letter To Sabah's Youth
- Vyshnavi Charrlotte
- Nov 20
- 7 min read
Prepared by Vyshnavi Charrlotte
20th November 2025
On October 6, the Sabah State Legislative Assembly, also known as the Sabah State Government, was officially dissolved, marking the end of its five-year term since the 16th State Election. This dissolution clears the way for the 17th Sabah State Election, which must be held within 60 days, by December 5, to elect 73 state assembly members. Before the dissolution, the ruling coalition led by Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), governing in partnership with Pakatan Harapan (PH), held a commanding 65 out of 79 seats in the Assembly.
Here’s how the seats were distributed:
Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) – 35 seats
Pakatan Harapan (PH) – 7 seats
Barisan Nasional (BN) – 12 seats
Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) – 6 seats
Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM) – 1 seat
Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) – 1 seat
Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) – 1 seat
Warisan – 14 seats
Vacant – 2 seats
It’s worth noting that, under the Sabah Constitution, six of the 79 assembly members are appointed by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri (Governor).
When we hear that a government has been dissolved, it can sound dramatic, as if it were sudden or chaotic. But in politics, dissolution simply marks the official end of a government’s term, even if it happens before the expected date. Once dissolution is declared, all Members of Parliament (MPs) or, in Sabah’s case, State Assembly members, lose their positions immediately. The government, as it stands, essentially ceases to exist. From that moment on, the focus shifts to preparing for the next election, when voters will decide who will form the new government.
In Sabah, this process begins when the Chief Minister, currently Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, advises the Yang di-Pertua Negeri (the Head of State) to dissolve the Assembly. It’s a move that clears the slate, setting the stage for a fresh mandate from the people. But this time, one big question lingers: Why now? Why dissolve the State Assembly before its five-year term officially ends? What’s behind the rush to call an early election instead of waiting for the natural end of the government’s tenure? Those questions, and the political strategy behind them, are now at the heart of Sabah’s unfolding story.
According to Datuk Yong Teck Lee, who served as Sabah’s Chief Minister from 1996 to 1998, the early dissolution of the state government may have been a rushed decision, one fueled by confusion over when the Assembly’s term would officially end. Yong suggested that the move was likely made to avoid potential legal disputes over the exact expiry date of the current term. By dissolving the Assembly early, the government may have sought to sidestep another round of constitutional wrangling, ensuring a smoother path toward fresh elections.
So, what happens next, and why should this matter to you? In the coming days, Sabah will begin to shift into election mode, setting in motion the countdown to the 17th State Election. The stage is being set for a high-stakes political contest that could once again reshape the balance of power in Malaysia’s easternmost state. In the following days, we can expect:
Issuance of Writ of Election: The formal legal order to hold the election.
Nomination Day: Candidates file their paperwork to contest.
Campaign Period: Rallies, debates, manifestos, and ground campaigning intensify.
Polling Day: Voters elect their assembly representatives
So, why does all of this matter, and why should you care?
Because you, the young people of Sabah, now make up half of the state’s 1.72 million registered voters. The upcoming 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17) isn’t just another election; it’s your election. For many of you, this will be the first time you’ll walk into a polling booth, mark your choice, and help shape the future of Sabah.
Let’s put that into perspective.
After the UNDI18 reform came into effect, a report dated March 25, 2022, showed that 5.7 million new voters aged 18 and above were added to Malaysia’s electoral roll. Out of that number, 485,939 came from Sabah alone, raising the state’s total registered voters from 1.18 million to 1.67 million. And that number keeps growing every day, as more young Sabahans reach voting age and join this new wave of youth voters.
This shift is more than just statistics; it’s a transfer of power. For the first time, the youth vote has the potential to reshape the political landscape, challenging traditional forces and amplifying new voices. The right to vote is one of the most powerful tools you’ll ever have, a single mark on the ballot that carries the weight of your dreams, your frustrations, and your hopes for Sabah’s future. Because at the end of the day, change doesn’t just happen at the top; It begins with you, right here, with your ink-stained finger and a vision for a better tomorrow.
We’re not just bystanders in Sabah’s story; we’re already changing the conversation. Across the state, young people are speaking up about the issues that matter most: the climate crisis, education reform, and the struggle for fair economic opportunities. These aren’t just abstract political topics anymore; they’re real conversations happening in classrooms, cafés, and community spaces every day.
And politicians are starting to notice. The more these social issues dominate the headlines and stir public debate, the clearer it becomes that young voices carry weight. We bring fresh ideas, bold perspectives, and an unwavering belief that Sabah deserves a future that’s inclusive, sustainable, and just. We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: we are the future of this country. The choices we make now, the stands we take, and the votes we cast will define the path Sabah and Malaysia walk for years to come. So let’s not wait. This is our moment to act, and our chance to make history.
Quick facts about the main parties’ views
Chief Minister Hajiji Noor of GRS (the previous ruling party) says he’s confident that GRS can hold on to power and continue their “Sabah Maju Jaya” plans. He mentioned that a lot of their development projects in agriculture, industry, and tourism are still in progress, so he wants voters to give them another term to finish what they started.
On the other side, UMNO Sabah (under Barisan Nasional) is gearing up for a full-blown campaign. Their state chairman, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, said the party is “100 per cent ready” and has already told everyone in the party to start mobilising. He’s been quite critical of GRS, saying they haven’t done enough in terms of development, investment, and job creation.
Meanwhile, WARISAN is calling for change and asking Sabahans to “judge the record” of the current government. They’re focusing on issues like equity, local rights, and state autonomy. And interestingly, there’s a new party called RUMPUN, which was formed in 2024. They’re trying to push a Sabah-first agenda, focusing on local identity, autonomy, and Muslim representation.
Some tips for my fellow Sabahans out there
Once the candidates are officially nominated, take the time to really get to know them, their background, values, personality, and track record. Do your homework, like you’re curious about your date before a big date. Scroll through their past work, listen to what they’ve said, and see what they actually stand for. The goal isn’t just to know their name on a ballot, but to understand who they truly are and whether they represent what you care about. Your vote is your voice. Make sure it reflects your values, your priorities, and the future you want to build.
Several useful websites provide detailed information about Malaysian politicians, their activities, and political profiles. These platforms offer different perspectives, from official government data to independent evaluations and transparency initiatives. Below is a summary of the most notable ones:
Website | Description | What it’s good for | Link |
MYMP (My Members of Parliament) | Provides detailed profiles of Malaysian MPs, including ratings on availability, transparency, work ethic, and loyalty. Pulls data from Hansard, social media, and public records | Great for understanding how active, accountable, and transparent MPs are | |
Parliament of Malaysia Official Website | The official government source listing all Members of Parliament. Includes information on roles, committees, bills, and motions, with access to official documents | Ideal for verified, authoritative data directly from Parliament | |
MyPoliticians | A directory of both federal and some state-level politicians, featuring their backgrounds, achievements, and affiliations | Useful for a broad overview of politicians beyond just MPs | |
Pantau Kuasa | Tracks political appointments and influence in government-linked companies and public institutions. | Excellent for monitoring political influence and transparency beyond Parliament | |
Politikus / Sinar Project | Provides profiles of state assemblypersons (ADUNs), including details about their roles and constituencies | Good for Sabah and other state-level politicians; tracks elected representatives by state | |
Sabah Government / State Portal | The official Sabah state government site, listing current cabinet members, ministers, and assistant ministers | Best for official information about Sabah’s state government structure | |
Wikipedia (State Assembly Pages) | Offers general lists and basic biographical information about state assembly representatives across Malaysia, including Sabah | Useful for a quick reference or to cross-check names and positions |
Together, these websites provide complementary insights: MYMP and MyPoliticians make political information more accessible, the Parliament site ensures official verification, and Pantau Kuasa promotes transparency regarding political influence. However, it’s best to cross-check data from these sources as update frequencies and depth of information can vary, and most platforms focus primarily on federal-level politicians rather than state assembly representatives.
What’s happening in Sabah right now isn’t just about politics; it’s about renewal. The dissolution of the State Assembly may mark the end of one chapter, but it also opens the door to something much bigger: a generational shift in power and perspective. Although power changes hands, the patterns never break. But this time, a new generation, bold, informed, and connected, is stepping up to write a different story. One where integrity, sustainability, and opportunity take centre stage.
The question is no longer whether young Sabahans care about politics; you clearly do. The question now is how far we’re willing to go to turn our ideals into action. In the months ahead, as campaign banners rise and promises flood the airwaves, remember this: change doesn’t just come from who wins the election, it comes from the people who show up. So, show up, ask questions. Challenge the old ways. Keep the conversation alive long after the votes are counted. Because this moment, this election, isn’t just about choosing leaders. It’s about envisioning the Sabah you want to see in the future.
References :
[1] https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/772877
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibidas if it wereto preparing for the next election, when voters will decide who will form.
[4] https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/10/06/dissolution-of-sabah-state-assembly-rushed-claims-sapp
[5] https://jesseltontimes.com/2025/01/22/where-is-the-1;8-year-old-voters-choice-in-prn/
[6] https://jesseltontimes.com/2025/01/22/where-is-the-1;8-year-old-voters-choice-in-prn/
[7] https://www.therakyatpost.com/news/malaysia/2025/10/07/sabah-assembly-dissolved-to-pave-way-for-17th-state-election-heres-whats-happening/
[8] https://www.therakyatpost.com/news/malaysia/2025/10/07/sabah-assembly-dissolved-to-pave-way-for-17th-state-election-heres-whats-happening/
[9] https://www.therakyatpost.com/news/malaysia/2025/10/07/sabah-assembly-dissolved-to-pave-way-for-17th-state-election-heres-whats-happening/
[10] https://www.therakyatpost.com/news/malaysia/2025/10/07/sabah-assembly-dissolved-to-pave-way-for-17th-state-election-heres-whats-happening/
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