Voters see Sabah leaders as 'all the same', candidate personality becomes deciding factor
Voters are aware of corruption issues, but the question is, who is cleaner in offering their service?
SHAH ALAM – Sabah voters view all leaders as ‘the same’, making a candidate’s personality, closeness to the people and access to resources the key factors that will likely determine victory in the upcoming Sabah state election.
Ilham Centre executive director Hisomudin Bakar said this sentiment will give incumbents an advantage, while the campaign period itself was expected to be a crucial determinant for contesting candidates.
He said the findings came from a study conducted in June, which remained relevant in the lead-up to the state polls.
"Generally, one of the catchphrases we found quite striking was ‘semua sama saja bah’ (they’re all the same). Voters feel that every side is the same. If we talk about corruption issues, who among the leaders can guarantee that they’re truly clean? So, in that context, voters say all leaders are the same.
"As researchers, we see that voters are aware of corruption issues, but the question is, who is cleaner in offering their service? This is where personality becomes the deciding factor.
"When it comes to voting patterns, the focus shifts to the candidate. This clearly gives an edge to incumbents.
"Ultimately, personality plays a major role. Those who have served and contributed to the people in their constituencies will naturally attract more attention," he said.
He made these remarks during the Interviu programme entitled "Bakal Berubahkah Sabah?" (Will Sabah Change?) hosted by Haizir Othman and broadcast across Sinar Harian’s digital platforms on Tuesday.
Hisomudin added that the emphasis on candidate personality will indirectly overshadow the controversial issues surrounding Sabah politics, turning it into part of the campaign strategy.
"Then we will see how party machinery capitalises on every element to shift issues towards the personality they are putting forward in the state polls," he said.
He said Sabah’s political landscape has traditionally placed importance on candidates’ resources, political funding and the presence of money politics in shaping voter behaviour.
"We found that historically, the trend in Sabah focuses more on candidates who are close to the people, depending on personalities with resources. In other words, if someone from the community approaches them, they can provide help.
"So, some voters view this element as an obstacle to meaningful change or better governance," he added.
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