'Now is the right time to dissolve Sabah State Assembly' – Hisomudin

SHAH ALAM – The Sabah government is currently in a favourable position to dissolve the State Legislative Assembly following recent developments that have eased several heated issues.

Ilham Centre executive director Hisomudin Bakar said public attention on matters such as Zara Qairina Mahathir's case and the Sabah corruption issue appeared to be subsiding, creating a calmer political climate for all parties to campaign.

He noted that the findings revealed so far in the Zara Qairina inquest have contradicted the heated narratives previously circulating on social media, reducing pressure on the state government.

“There’s been a decline in focus. The intensity of the Zara Qairina issue is subsiding because the inquest disclosures contradict the narratives pushed by netizens at the height of the issue.

“The government had little control when things escalated then, but based on my observations and sentiment analysis now, the issue has cooled,” he said during Sinar Harian’s Interviu programme entitled "Bakal Berubahkah Sabah?" hosted by Haizir Othman on Tuesday.

Hisomudin added that public engagement with the state corruption issue also appeared limited, reinforcing the view that this was a suitable time to hold the Sabah state election.

“Yes, there are corruption allegations, but mostly just general media coverage. In certain areas, the attacks aren’t sharp and political parties are not going all out yet, perhaps saving it for the campaign period.

“But we know Sabah’s geography and demography are vast. It takes time for any message to reach voters deeply enough to shift thinking,” he said.

However, Hisomudin stressed that the outcome of the Sabah state election remained open and competitive, depending on voter segments.

He said seats with a majority Malay-Muslim voters will likely see fierce contests between Umno and GRS.

“Ethnicity plays a role as well. For example, in constituencies where a candidate comes from the dominant local ethnic group, voters tend to support that candidate. This must also be factored in,” he said.