Sabah from the Ground The 2020 Elections and the Politics of Survival 9789672464242

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i=?olitiCS of Sur.vival

Sabah from the Ground

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Sabah from the Ground The 2020 Elections and the Politics of Survival

Bridget Welsh, Vilashini Somiah and Benjamin YH Loh (editors)

.,

SIRD Strategic Information and Rnearch Development Centre

I5EA5

YUSOF ISHAK INSTITUTE

Copyright (t~ 2021 Bridget Welsh, Vilashini Somiah and Benjamin YH Lob

'JIIis edition is published in2021 by Strategic Information and Research Development Centre No. 2 Jalan Bukit 11/2, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Email: [email protected] Website: www.gerakbudaya.com mrcf

Co-publislted in Singapore in 2021 by ISEAS Publishing ISEAS- Yusof Ishak Institute, 30 Heng Mui Keng Terrace, Singapore 119614 Email: [email protected] Website: bookshop.iseas.edu.sg All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia I Cataloguing-in-Publication Data Sabah from the Ground : The 2020 Elections and the Politics of Survival/ Bridget Welsh, Vilashini Somiah and Benjamin YH Loh. (editors). ISBN 978-967-2464-24-2

I. Elections-Malaysia-Sabah. 2. COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020-. 3. Sabah (Malaysia)-Politics and government. I. Welsh, Bridget. II. Vilashini Somiah. Ill. Loh, Benjamin Y.H. 324.60959521

ISEAS Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the ISEAS Library Cover design by Janice Cheong Layout by Janice Cheong Printed by Vinlin Press Sdn Bhd 2 }alan Meranti Permai I Meranti Permai Industrial Park Batu 15, }alan Puchong 47100 Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia

Contents

A !)dining Roll.' for a NI.'W Malaysiol Forgone?

1:orcword I

ix

/kmrm/ (,"i/uk /Jmnpok /-ill"t'H'OI"cf

2

\.earning from Sahah Sallcl1 Soirl Kcnwk

xi

:\t"kii011'1Ctf_l;ti/CII(S

INTRODUCTION

Sabah Goes to the Polls Hridgct Welsh, Benjami11 YH Loh and Vi/ashini Somiah

PART 1: CONTEXT CHAPTER 1

Warisan Plus in Government: A Retrospective from the

21

Campaign and Beyond Chan Tsu Chong CHAPTER 2

The 1963 Malaysia Agreement: Pakatan's Failed Restoration and Perikatan's Fledgling Initiatives

39

Johan Arriffin Smnad

CHAPTER 3

1l1e Unemployment Problem during the Warisan Plus

61

Administration fames Alin and Mardi/a Malasius CHAPTER 4

Voices of Civil Society Organisations in Sabah Politics

83

Beverly foeman, Nelson Dino and AsrafSitarafi

PART 2: NARRATIVES CHAPTER 5

Incessant Political Narratives: Perlious Migrants and

113

the Treacherous East Vilashini Somiah and A slam Abd fa/il CHAPTER 6

Sabah's Youth Talk Politics: Ethnic Identity, Illegal Migrants & Religious Freedom Trixie Tangil

133

vi

Sabah from the Ground

PART 3: CAMI'AIGNING CIIAI'TI~R 7

Key Players in Sabah's 'Keroyok' Politics Philip Goli11gai

CIIA11 TER 8

'Don't Jump, Time to Work': Political Maturity ofSabah 167 Digital Spaces through the 2020 State Election

151

Benjamin YH Loh and Yi }ian Ho CHAPTER9

Sabah Style amidst Uncertainty: Campaigning in the 2020 Sabah State Polls

189

Bridget Welsh

CHAPTER 10

Undi Sabah: Igniting Youth Participation in Sabah's

2ll

Democracy Mahirah Marzuki, Auzellea Kristin Mozihim and Fiqah Roslan

PART 4: RESULTS CHAPTER 11

A Holistic Society-Centred Analysis of the Sabah 2020

231

Election Results: Voters, Voting and Trajectories of Survival and Change Bridget Welsh CHAPTER 12

Chinese Sabahans in the 2020 Sabah State Election

265

Oh Ei Sun and Amanda Yeo Yan Yin CHAPTER 13

Kadazan-Dusun Politics: The Persistence of Personality 285 Politics, Patronage and Ethnonationalism Tony Paridi Bagang and Arnold Puyok

CHAPTER 14

Islam and Muslim Politics in Sabah's 2020 State Election 305 Mohd Rahimin Mustafa

CONCLUSION

Sabah after the Covid-19 Election Aftermath: Beyond New (and Old) Political Alignments

329

Bridget Welsh, Benjamin YH Loh and Vilashini Somiah

Bibliography List of Contributors

349 361

(])a tuft rtfiasius Sipanggo[Joeman, 1940-2021 'I'errance :MIV(jmus 'I'angit, 1967-2021

Foreword

A Defining Role for a New Malaysia Forgone?

lhere has never been so much written on and researched about an election in Sabah. The chapters of this book deal with the many issues that have bedeviled Sabah politics from the time of its entry into Malaysia. The former Warisan Plus government infused the campaign with a style reminiscent of the freshness that the late Adenan Satem brought into Sarawak's politics. It also rekindled hopes of a 'second coming' for the New Malaysia touted by Pakatan Harapan during the 2018 General Election, and its short time in government. The chapters are a good read on the dynamics of Sabah politics and provide pointers, perhaps, on why the new dawn of Sabah politics may not yet see the light of day any time soon! Illegal immigration, which has been billed as the mother of all problems in Sabah during previous elections, reared its ugly head in Sabah politics soon after the declaration of independence and the formation of Malaysia. Robust politicking especially involving the Muslim and nonMuslim Bumiputeras generated policies which changed the demography of the state. Clandestinely implemented by officials either at the behest of the government, or at least its acquiescence, these moves have been, uncharacteristically for a government policy initiative, a roaring success. The numerous elections held for both Parliament and the state assembly have failed to produce any fixed solution to the immigration issue. A Royal Commission of Inquiry was set up to look into this but until today nothing of significance has been undertaken to address the issue. It calls for sincerity and seriousness on the part of the governments and pragmatism from amongst Sabahans adversely affected by the influx of illegal immigrants, many of whom have now secured citizenship through dubious means. Perhaps a Truth and Reconciliation Commission can be considered to facilitate a national healing and a lasting solution. The government and

ix

Sabah from the Ground

pcrpclralors of a redefined Sa bah demography can own up to their actions. Sa bah can accept its fair share of the immigrants with the rest distributed bel ween the other states. As an assurance of its commitment to racial and religious harmony, the state government can take steps to return to the constitutional provisions as of Malaysia Day 1963. Sabah then did not have an official religion. With the immigration issue out of the way, the state can then focus on strengthening its economy and the eradication of poverty. The strong presence of Kuala Lumpur has continued to exert its influence on the outcome of elections in Sabah, as well as on the composition of the ensuing government. The fight for power at the centre has spilled over to the states and it does appear that this will be a feature of Malaysian politics for some time to come. Sadly, this will divert the attention of winning parties away from the business of providing good governance - as the eyes of the victorious will be trained towards another victory in the next battle. For Sabah, the overdependence of state leaders on political support from Kuala Lumpur will compromise the pursuit of states' rights, which '"'ere a very significant part of the election campaign. The perennial issues of Sabah politics are thriving. The same issues will flow seamlessly into the elections ahead. What is interesting to note is that the natives of Malaysia from the third largest island in the world are articulating issues openly. In the past, the loud voices in the debate were from the non-Muslim communities but today the Muslim Bumiputera are also at the forefront demanding state rights and articulating the need to steer the country towards building a nation for all Malaysians. Perhaps herein lie the pointers for the search of the lost soul of the nation. Can Malaysian Borneo rise to the occasion? Doesn't the Sun rise from the East! Bernard Giluk Dompok Chief Minister of Sabah 1998-1999

Foreword

Learning from Sabah

It is my pleasure to accept this invitation to write a foreword for Sabah from the Ground. My identity and roots will always be tied to my place of birth, my beloved land of great beauty and individuality. This book offers a variety of perspectives focused on contemporary Sabah politics from academicians, journalists and activists. It is good to see more scholarly attention on Sabah, especially from young Sabahan scholars in the collection. From my perspective, Sabah politics offers important lessons for the rest of Malaysia. Generally, political development in Sabah is more mature than that in the Semenanjung (Peninsula). In the 141h General Election in 2018 and the 16th Sabah state election in 2020, we saw peaceful transitions from one administration to another despite fiery campaign periods, and without recourse to protracted post-election crises. Politicians have put aside their differences to come together and work for the people of the state. Sabah has had five peaceful transitions of power, and while some of these have faced challenges, there has been a willingness to accept the role of the opposition and new governments throughout. Sabahans have embraced political change, long before the Semanunjung. When Sabahans have been unsatisfied, they have voted out governments. We are more evolved as voters because of our willingness to accept different political leadership. And although Sabahans tend to be passionate about the parties they support (or don't), we have developed a reputation for being a very united people. This is because Sabah practices a politics of accommodation; racial and religious identities are celebrated differently in Sabah from the Semenanjung. Sabahans recognise that their differences are to be embraced not effaced. We appreciate our diversity and know that our diversity is a strength. We listen to each other - a theme in Dr Benjamin YH Loh and Yi )ian Ho's chapter on Sabah's digital space. The Semanunjung has a lot to learn from Sabah's greater ethnic tolerance and inclusion.

xii

Sabah from the Ground

111is is not to say that we do not have problems associated with race and religion, which will happen given the prominence of racial politics in Malaysia and the migrant problem in the state. I believe the broader appeals to Sabahans for Sabah strengthens unity in the state and we share a common desire for the uplifting of development and wellbeing for all Sabahans across different races and religions. When we go out to vote, we consider a range of issues. Sabahans consider personality, leadership and the response to their social conditions such as the challenges of rural livelihoods. The book's attention to different factors influencing voting corresponds to the different realities on the ground. Ethnic preferences are less important, as Dr Bridget Welsh's chapter in this book explains well. Dr Arnold Puyok's attention to the role of personality in rural areas is also accurate. And so, I believe there must be a continuous call for Sabahan rights that transcends party lines. The rakyat do not need more leaders who are only interested in playing politics all the time, but instead need. more serious, dependable statesmen, working to keep the administration in good form. Vl/e must collectively work towards more state autonomy and resources from the federal government in an effort to focus on better development projects and outcomes. Sabahans are united in wanting more commitment from the federal government to address the imbalance in economic development. These needs are not unfounded, and if addressed, the effects of change impact not just socio-economic conditions of Sabahans but also all Malaysians. For example, with the Covid-19 pandemic impacting our economy and society, there should be more focus in ensuring that Sabahans are given the tools to combat digital poverty, where communities are not afforded ICT infrastructure or skills. Many young people in Sabah can benefit from gaining more digital literacy through access to smart devices and high-speed Internet access. Empower your weakest and you will empower all.

My professional ethos has always been to fight for what I believe is right and good for Sabah [ have met d k d of the politic 1d' .d· d . an wor e with many from different sides a lVI e, an whde we may h h d that there is al h ave a our differences, we believe ways more t at can be done fa S b h I c on civil society in th b k . r a a · tound the discussion e oo especially valuab\ d kn collectively work with . 'I e an ow that we need to CIVI society to address the challenges Sabah faces.

Foreword

xiii

'Ihc collection edited by Drs Bridget Welsh, Vilashini Somiah and lknjamin YI-1 l.oh sees Sabah in her uniqueness and diversity. This book helps mark a time in our history and a new political era of change and transformation. Capturing the ongoing political transformations in a period of change oflCrs insights on how to move Sabah and Malaysia forward. The book will be an essential reference for Sabahans and those interested in Sa bah politics for years to come.

Salleh Said Keruak Ph.D JP Chief Minister ojSabahfrom 1994 to 1996

Acknowledgments

In the wake of the Sabah 2020 state elections, we, the editors, found ourselves discussing in great detail the drivers and outcomes of the counpaign. Sa bah, unlike other parts of Malaysia, has always been a political puzzle, difficult for many on the outside to decipher. As the three of us continued unpacking and piecing together what we knew of local leadership and governance, we were also confronted by the need to acknowledge the shifts and changes occurring in Sabah's politics from the ground. Sabahans and friends ofSabah, all of whom experienced the 2020 state elections first-hand, could offer great insights into how that influenced local politics thereafter. This book was then formulated as a way to bring together scholars, experts, and intellectuals working on Sabah to provide current and contemporary views of the state. While there have been seminal and important works about Sabah in the last half century, these are few and far between, especially in recent years. And so, we began this project keeping in mind the importance of filling in what we can of the obvious gap in the literature on Sabah. VVe would first like to thank two important Sabah leaders that have contributed forewords to the book. Both former chief ministers of Sabah from different parties, Salleh bin Md Said Keruak and Bernard Dompok, were kind enough to take time out of their busy schedules to offer short commentaries for this book and contemporary Sabah politics. These leaders join others among the Sabah political elite who were generous with their time and feedback. While the list is long and many prefer to remain anonymous, we would like to especially acknowledge those assisted with the book through offering insights in interviews or assistance: Abdul Rahman Dahlan, Bung Moktar Radin, Chan Foong Hin, Nixon Habi, Adrian Lasimbang, Wilfred Madius Tangau, Martin Tommy and Yong Teck Lee. We believe that a book on Sabah politics requires plural voices. We have gathered a large and eclectic group of extraordinary writers from various walks of life, all with rich experiences with Sabah's economy, society, and politics; we are very grateful for their important contributions. We have writers representing various civil society organisations (CSO) in Sabah. In the chapters written by Beverly, Nelson, Asraf, Mahirah, Fiqah, and Auzellea, XV

S Tanjung Kapor in Kudat and Julia's (from Vignette 2) district Tandek near Kota Marudu in the region as whole. By comparison, the East and West stayed more consistent in their support in 2020. The East, however, showed the most significant drop in turnout: 13.8 per cent. In part this could have been affected by Covid-19 cases, which at that time was concentrated on the east coast, but this pattern reflects the more general pattern of Warisan Plus losing support amongst its political base.

Tan~b~~a~.-Bingkor, Liawan, Mclalap, Kemabong, Tulid, Sook, Nabawan, Telupid, Sugut and Labuk. West includes Pintasan, Tempasuk, Usukan, Kadamaian, Sulaman, _Pantai Dalit, Tamparuli, Kiulu, Karambunai, Darau, lnanam, Likas, Api-Api, Luyang: ranjung Aru, Petagas, lb.njung Keramat. Kapayan, Moyog, Limbahau, Kawan~, Pantm ~Janis, Bongawan, Mcmbakut, Klias, Kuala Penyu, Lumadin and Sindumm. East 1 ~cl~des Gum-Gum, Sungai Manila, Sungai Sibuga, Sekong, Karamunting, Elopura, ~anJong Papal, Kuamut, Lamag, Sukau, Tungku, Segama, Silam, Kunak, Sulab~yaJ~ Scnal~ang, Bugaya, Balung, Apas, Sri Tanjong, Kukusan, Tanjong Batu, ~cro\aJ an cballk. Thanks to Vil~shini Somiah (or her assistance with these categones.

250

, . hslll offers new insight.~ into voting patterns: It allows us Rtg.l:Hl.'lnd how connected area.~ shape ou_tcomcs, ~arllcularly given to .u~~:~~~:::1 c or S;Jh.lh and the fact th;ll const~tu_c~1cy_l1nes often do not

'_l(~~rc~ ·m;ld

to dcolicc Voling in Sabah by !'arty, 2018 and 2020

Milit.uy and Police Post,ll VotingSabah

I~ ~~- 1... 1- 1•.. 2018

• 8N/GRS

2020

•Pfi/W>riW"PIUS__:~cc"':__:"_ _ _ _ __

impacted the final outcome - Tanjung Kerarnat and Karambunai. It came close in other seats, especially Kukusan, which was only won by a margin of 10 votes. Two seats may not seem large given the overall decline in support, but the two-scat difference assured that Warisan Plus would not be able to form a government, as the final outcome was 38 versus 32 seats for the two alliances: GRS and Warisan Plus. No question: Warisan Plus needs to recognise the self-inflicted electoral damage caused by one of its leaders. Table 9: Vole Share Securily Forces BN% GRS in 2018, 2020 a nd 2020 Gain in 2020,SelcctcdSeats

13.4% Karambunai

33.8%

60.8%

27.0%

Karamunting

47.2%

55.8%

8.6%

Kukusan

45.1%

50.7%

5.7%

Kawang

61.3%

77.6%

16.2%

Si!am

44.5%

70.3%

25.8%

Apas

34.7%

92.2%

Scbatik

57.5%

55.6%

71.0%

15.4%

Merotai

50.0%

57.3%

SungaiSibuga

7.3%

77.0%

87.9%

10.9%

A HolistiC SoCiety Centred AnalySIS of the Sabah ElectiOn 2020 Results

259

A sccnnd c~mlcxtual factor alfecting the outcome was voter turnout II~Sl'

11.0%

7_1.1"

0.5'1(,

Consistency of Political Polarisation \\'hik ...:nntt•xtu,ll f.Jctors did int\uence the electoral ou~co_me, argua\~ly one of the most signi1icant tirHiings (rom the data a.nalysts Js the pe.rst~tcncc of voting patlerns from previous elections. Earlter lenses allow .1 pt~turc to emerge or changes in voting behavior - turnout dr.ops amon~ Clunesc