Hopes and Expectations after the dissolution

nabalunews
Oct 6
3 min read

6 October 2025

PENAMPANG: Today, the dissolution of the Sabah State Assembly sent ripples through the local political landscape, marking a significant turning point in the state's governance.

This move opens the door for a new round of election, fuelling anticipation among the people for change, renewed or leadership betterment. Citizens are eager to see policies that address and enhance issues such as economic development, infrastructure, and social wellbeing.

As Sabah prepares for this political decision, the people's expectations are high, seeking leadership that truly reflects their aspirations and fosters sustainable growth for the state.

For Hirna Tahir, a businesswoman from Kota Kinabalu, who owns a tour and travel company, her primary hope is that future leaders, whether re-elected or new, will be sincere and genuinely listen to the people, without discrimination based on creed, ethnicity, or background. As an entrepreneur, she believes the environment should be supportive of her needs and conducive to developing innovative tourism products that can boost the industry and benefit the community.

Faridah Muri Gulim, Managing Director of AMG Academy, Keningau, echoed Hirna’s sentiments, adding that her hoped-for leaders should be approachable and community-oriented, visiting villages and engaging with grassroots communities to understand their needs. She emphasised that leaders should prioritise both academic education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to ensure employment opportunities for rural youth. Additionally, she stressed the importance of promoting Sabah’s traditional and cultural motifs through tourism marketing, to ensure sustainable income for the local people.

Gina Chau from Kg. Sarapung expressed her satisfaction with the performance of past and leaders, particularly the Penampang Member of Parliament, and hopes that this leadership will continue. She emphasised that leaders should be approachable and able to understand and address the needs and desires of the people.

Tanya Lyna Edat, a Tamu vendor at Dongonggon from Kg Potuki, shares her agreement with Gina, stating that she desires a leader who will promote development for the community and prioritise their welfare. She emphasises that leaders should "walk the talk" and not forget the promises they made during their election campaigns.

David Benedict from Kg Kolopis Penampang expresses concern that today’s political scene has strayed from its true purpose of serving the people, focusing instead on personal gain and religious politics that risk dividing society. He calls for honest, people-oriented leaders who prioritise national unity, development, and integrity over corruption and self-interest. He highlights the poor state of infrastructure, particularly roads in rural and small-town areas, as evidence of neglect. He urges voters to choose leaders wisely and hopes for transparent, trustworthy, and community-driven leadership that will bring meaningful progress for future generations.

Jacinta Minol, a farmer from Kg Togudon, Penampang, shares that the current Member of Parliament is one of the best leaders she has ever encountered, a sentiment most villagers agree with. She states that he has provided them with a shelter for their Tamu Desa activities and has also facilitated the granting of land under PANTAS for their land, which had been applied for many years ago. She believes that such leaders should be emulated.

Vegetable seller John Quincy Liew hopes that the next leader in Penampang will ensure that the uneven areas around Dongonggon are levelled, as many residents, especially the elderly, have stumbled because of them. He emphasises that the area should be wheelchair-friendly, adding that the uneven ground significantly hampers those attending the Tamu.

Alexius Sagun from Kg Purak Ogis Kota Belud shares that the struggle to restore Sabah’s rights as originally enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), should be continued and not merely repeat political rhetoric whenever a state election approaches. They should develop the state of Sabah in a comprehensive and balanced manner. They should improve basic infrastructure such as roads and agricultural access routes to ensure the livelihood and sustainability of farmers.

“I sincerely hope that Datuk Ewon Benedick will continue to lead Kadamaian, which has lagged behind, particularly after the passing of two past leaders,” he states. This view is shared by many.

The 17th state election will determine the future leadership of the region, shaping policies and development for years to come. It is a crucial opportunity for voters to exercise their democratic rights and choose representatives who will best serve their community's needs.