Pilihan Raya Umum Ke-15 di Sabah: Isu, Trend dan Cabaran (The 15th General Election In Sabah: Issues, Trends and Challenge)

Abstract

Compared to other states, the political scenario in Sabah is rather not static and it is quite dynamic, making it a bit difficult to predict. This was evident once more during the results of the 15th General Election (GE-15) in which no political party or coalition, including the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah – Barisan Nasional (GRS-BN), WARISAN, Pakatan Harapan, Bebas, and others, achieved a comfortable victory. Since the 14th General Election, the idea that Sabah is a fixed deposit for any political party or coalition may no longer be an accurate indicator of election results and narratives. Factors such as the East Coast-West Coast territorial factor and the party factor were also not significant. Instead, other factors may have contributed to the “division” of seats. Therefore, this article discusses the dynamics of electoral competition that influence the sentiments and choices of Sabah’s voters during GE-15. This article will examine seven key issues: the relationship between the Federal and State governments, primordial sentiments, candidate factors, young voters, urban voters factors, the factor of political party fragmentation, and the situation of coalition victories. Thus, based on a qualitative approach, specifically interviews and observations, this article argues that the issues, trends, and challenges that exist and shape the political landscape in Sabah are part of the current political climate and a normal democratic process.