Sabah Elections Heat Up as GRS and Opposition Clash Over Failures

In the lead-up to the Sabah state elections, tensions have surged between the incumbent Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition and its opposition, with accusations of failure and mismanagement dominating the discourse. Armizan Mohd Ali, the deputy secretary-general of GRS, responded sharply to claims made by Bung Moktar Radin, chairman of Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN), who labelled the GRS government as the “most failed” in the world.

Armizan dismissed these remarks as misleading, instead characterizing Bung Moktar as the “most failed Public Works Minister in the history of mankind.” His comments were made during a press briefing on November 19, 2023, following Bung Moktar’s campaign speech in Lamag, where he criticized GRS for its handling of the state’s people, economy, and unity.

In the political landscape of Sabah, GRS formed the state government in 2020 alongside BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH) after the previous election. However, the political alliance experienced a fracture in 2023 when several BN members attempted to unseat GRS chairman and Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, an event referred to as the Kinabalu Move. This turmoil led to BN’s departure from the coalition.

Armizan attributed the GRS administration’s initial struggles to Bung Moktar’s term as Minister of Public Works from 2021 to 2022. He asserted that critical infrastructure projects aimed at stabilising water and electricity supplies were stalled during that period. “The GRS government lost the first two years of its administration because of Bung Moktar,” he stated.

Underlining his point, Armizan highlighted the recent start of construction on the Tawau Cinta Mata 2 Water Treatment Plant on July 22, 2023, after Bung Moktar left office. The project is expected to be completed by 2028. Upgrading works on the Kogopon Water Treatment Plant in Papar, which had also been delayed, only commenced in August 2023 under the new minister, Shahelmey Yahya, a former BN member who opposed Bung Moktar during the Kinabalu Move.

The GRS coalition has responded to the opposition’s criticisms by asserting that the issues plaguing Sabah existed prior to their administration. “During Bung Moktar’s tenure, no major water stabilisation projects were initiated,” Armizan remarked, indicating that the GRS administration has made significant strides since taking power.

As the election approaches, Bung Moktar is set to defend his Lamag seat in a competitive six-way race, which includes candidates from GRS and Warisan. Political analysts, such as Romzi Ationg from University Malaysia Sabah, acknowledge the challenges Bung Moktar faces but note his strong grassroots support stemming from his long tenure as a politician.

While the opposition focuses on the slogan “Save Sabah,” GRS secretary-general Masidi Manjun questioned the motivation behind this campaign. Warisan’s “Selamatkan Sabah” initiative aims to address the state’s ongoing water crisis and promote local development. Masidi contended that Sabah’s financial reserves have significantly grown under GRS leadership, reaching RM8.6 billion (approximately US$2.07 billion) in 2024, a marked improvement from RM3.2 billion under the previous Warisan administration.

“What exactly does Sabah need saving from?” Masidi asked, warning that the real risk lies in the potential for Warisan to mismanage the funds that GRS has diligently secured. He reiterated that the GRS administration has proven its capability to manage the state’s finances and economy effectively.

As the polls set for November 29, 2023, draw nearer, the political climate in Sabah remains charged with both sides eager to showcase their achievements and appeal to the electorate. The outcome will not only determine the future of the state government but also highlight the ongoing struggle between the incumbent coalition and its challengers.