By Clara Wong
KOTA KINABALU : – Sabah is heading into another state election, and this time we’re staring at nearly 600 candidates with less than two weeks to make sense of who they are.
If you’ve ever felt lost during election season, trust me — you’re not alone.
Even Sabahans who follow politics struggle to keep up with the endless party switches, alliances, rebrandings, and unexpected plot twists.
But confusion shouldn’t lead to silence, and silence shouldn’t lead to voting blind.
Because here’s the truth: State elections affect our daily lives more than we think.
WHY?
Sabah has so much potential.
Our youths deserve more opportunities, not more uncertainty.
Our communities deserve development driven by clarity, not guesswork.
This election is our chance to raise the bar — even just a little.
If voters ask better questions, candidates will have to give better answers.
And better answers lead to better leaders.
Who your ADUN is can shape:
* whether your district gets development funds
* how land issues are handled,
how local infrastructure is prioritised
* and what opportunities exist for our youths and communities.
This isn’t “big political theory.”
This is your road, your school, your clinic, your kampung.
So yes — it matters.
It matters a lot.
But here’s the problem:
We barely know anything about many of the people asking for our vote.
In any workplace, hiring a person involves months of checking CVs, interviewing, and evaluating capabilities.
But for elected representatives?
We get a photo, a manifesto line or two, and a handshake before polling day.
And once they win, they start work immediately.
No training. No probation. Straight into decisions affecting thousands.
So it’s fair — and necessary — to ask candidates a few basic questions.
As a voter, here are four questions I believe every voter across Sabah can ask:
1. “What is your top three priorities for the next year — and how will you get them done?
If someone wants the job, they should have a plan.
2. “What past experience prepares you to serve this constituency?”
Not everyone needs a political background, but they do need relevance.
3. “How will you make sure development funds are used transparently?”
Simple question. Important answer.
4. “If your party doesn’t form the government, how will you still deliver results?”
Sabah politics is unpredictable. Competence must survive any outcome.
These questions aren’t confrontational. They’re practical.
They help us choose leaders based on readiness, not personality.
So, here’s my gentle challenge to fellow Sabahans:
* Let’s stop voting based on posters, colours, and familiar names.
* Let’s start voting based on answers, clarity, and competence.
What can we do?
Ask your candidates.
Message their pages.
Attend the ceramah.
Speak up.
DON’T GIVE UP HOPE
Sabah is capable of so much more.
Let’s make sure our votes reflect that hope.
