‘The smart voter is politically-fluid in that they attune themselves to the zeitgeist, search for potentially-reputable parties and candidates with suitable policies and cast their vote accordingly.’
– Stewart Stafford, New York author
Sabah Politics: Unpredictability and Strategic Maneuvers
Sabah politics has always been described as fluid due to its highly dynamic, unpredictable, and factional nature.
I love Sabah politics, and I have some dear friends among Sabah politicians, particularly the veterans. It’s not only because Sarawakians and Sabahans are neighbours in Borneo, but I find Sabahans to be great hosts, including their politicians, among other attributes.
Most will go out of their way to make their guests and visitors comfortable and ensure that their visit to the Land Below the Wind is truly fruitful and memorable.
I’m happy to have maintained a cordial working relationship with several Sabah politicians, on both sides of the divide, throughout my decades as a working journalist. I’m glad that some of them, including those still politically active today, have become close personal friends, and we do keep in touch at regular intervals.
I think I can claim that I do know a thing or two about political manoeuvres in Sabah. Politicians in Sabah are known for changing parties or supporting different coalitions to suit the political climate or personal interests. This practice of “party hopping” has made political alignments unpredictable.
I can recall two historical precedents. Events like the 1985 state election (marked by controversial defections) and the 2020 Sabah state election (triggered by a power struggle) have reinforced the perception of Sabah politics as fluid and volatile.
This fluidity reflects the adaptability and resilience of Sabah’s political actors but also leads to instability, making governance challenging and the political scene highly unpredictable.
Like Sarawak, Sabah has unique issues related to autonomy and its relationship with the federal government. Political movements in Sabah often emphasize regionalism, adding another layer of complexity to coalition politics.
I must stress that the two Borneo territories, after 62 years of nationhood, are entitled to reclaim their rights, which were eroded with time under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Putrajaya owes it to the people of Sabah and Sarawak to return their original entitlements under MA63 to the Borneo territories. Make no mistake about that!
Let me now look into the latest political tussle happening in Sabah. This is yet another example of the subject I have raised here — the fluidity of politics in Sabah.
Indeed, the fight over the Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairmanship reflects deeper issues within political coalitions, particularly in a state like Sabah, which has unique political dynamics and diverse interests.
Sabah PH is a coalition of various parties, including PKR (led by Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew in Sabah) and DAP, as well as allies like Upko, led by its president Datuk Ewon Benedick.
The chairmanship of the coalition is a significant position, as it allows the leader to shape the coalition’s direction, coordinate strategy, and represent the coalition in negotiations with the federal leadership.
Ewon’s recent election as the chair could signal a shift in power dynamics, potentially sidelining long-time leaders like Liew.
At 72, Liew represents an older generation of leaders who have played key roles in shaping Sabah’s political landscape. However, there is a growing demand for younger leaders, like 41-year-old Ewon, who can connect with a younger electorate and bring fresh energy to the coalition.
Ewon’s rise as a younger and dynamic politician might resonate more with Sabahans seeking change and innovation in leadership.
Sabah politics is also highly localized and often revolves around state-specific issues such as autonomy, development, and the rights of indigenous communities. Leadership disputes within coalitions can weaken their ability to present a united front, especially in a state where voters value strong local leadership.
The PH chairmanship is particularly crucial ahead of state and federal elections, as it could influence candidate selection, resource allocation, and campaign strategies.
Liew, a lawyer, has been a key figure for PKR in Sabah, building the party’s presence in a challenging political environment. Stepping aside could be seen as diminishing her role, which she might view as detrimental to her party’s influence within the coalition.
However, clinging to leadership against a clear mandate for Ewon Benedick might alienate younger voters and coalition partners, potentially damaging PH’s unity.
I wish to pose this question – should Christina Liew step aside? My answer is that it might be prudent for her to prioritize coalition unity and the broader goals of Sabah PH over personal ambition.
By allowing Ewon to lead, Liew could signal a willingness to embrace change and support generational leadership. She could also focus on mentoring younger leaders and contributing in an advisory or elder statesperson role.
Conversely, if Liew remains firm in her position, it could fracture Sabah PH, giving an advantage to political rivals. Leadership transitions are always challenging, but a peaceful and respectful handover can enhance the coalition’s credibility.
Somehow, I have faith in the experienced and senior politician, Christina Liew, to do the right thing for Sabah and her fellow Sabahans.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
