Young Voters should Make Wise Choices in State Election

11 October 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Young voters who make up half of the 1.72 million voters in Sabah should make a wise decision in the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17).

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said

young people should give the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government a mandate to continue implementing the state’s development agenda under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan.

“Out of 1.72 million voters in Sabah, young people comprise half of that figure. Therefore, I hope they will give the government a chance because we have a clear direction to develop Sabah and strengthen the economy.

“We also want to ensure political stability in Sabah, and that is why I have emphasised the importance of cooperation with the Federal Government and the continuation of the GRS–Pakatan Harapan (PH) collaboration in this election,” he said.

Hajiji was speaking at the Tamu Suara 360: Aspirasi Anak Muda Sabah 2025 programme held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here on Saturday.

In line with that, Hajiji urged the youth in the state not to waste the opportunity that comes only once every five years to shape a better future for Sabah through the existing government under his leadership.

“Therefore, make the best choice in the upcoming PRN17 to ensure the continuity of development, political stability and the well-being of the people.

“This election is a golden opportunity for us to choose a strong government, and, most importantly, one that is dominated by local parties,” he said.

He added that young voters should wisely assess the government’s achievements so far and serve as agents to communicate these to the wider public.

Hajiji also underlined the importance of the GRS–PH cooperation in maintaining political stability in Sabah and fostering close relations with the Federal Government.

“What we want is progress, and to move forward, we need the support of the Federal Government. Unfortunately, some leaders in Sabah have differing views that, I believe, could be detrimental to the state’s future.

“That is why we have decided that GRS and PH will continue working together. God willing, we will succeed. I hope young voters take this opportunity to choose a government with clear policies to grow the economy and advance Sabah.

“We cannot progress based on emotions alone, we must learn from the past. We often ask why we lag behind in various sectors; it is because we frequently change governments. For example, the Pan Borneo Highway project was delayed by four years when the new administration cancelled the PDP model,” he said.

At the event, Hajiji also shared his hopes and aspirations for Sabah, which he has led for the past five years.

“I want Sabah to have political stability so that we can implement government programmes, grow the economy, and introduce initiatives that benefit the younger generation.

“Today, everything is at our fingertips through new technologies that we must master, as Sabah cannot afford to be left behind, including in areas such as AI and TVET.

“Most importantly, we must remain united, maintain stability, and strengthen cooperation between the state and federal governments. God willing, Sabah will continue to prosper,” he said.