Youth push for policy-driven politics as Sabah heads to polls
The forum aims to set a new benchmark for youth-driven political discourse in Sabah ahead of the state polls.
KOTA KINABALU: A coalition of Sabah youth groups is rolling out a non-partisan political forum aimed at encouraging constructive, policy-focused discussions ahead of the state election.
Called “Bah-Bincang Kita, Sabah Pre-Election Youth Forum 2025”, the closed-door session on Nov 8 will gather youth representatives from major political parties together with 120 invited young participants from civic organisations across the state.
The forum, to be held on Saturday afternoon in the state capital, aims to set a new benchmark for youth-driven political discourse in Sabah ahead of the state polls.
It represents what organisers describe as a milestone in civic maturity as young voters demand policy-based engagement over rhetoric and division, signalling a shift in how young Sabahans want to engage in politics.
Organised by Community Empowerment Initiative Sabah, Gerakan Anak Sabah, Hai Mandak, Sabah Youth Movement, SEEN, SPADE and The Sip Sip Show, it reflects a growing civic movement among youth calling for integrity, good governance and real solutions for Sabahans.
“This is more than an event; it’s a defining opportunity for young Sabahans to shape political history.
“We want to show that political engagement can be intelligent, respectful and rooted in shared responsibility for Sabah’s future," the organising committee said in a joint statement.
Youth leaders from DAP, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, Parti Keadilan Rakyat, Muda, Parti Impian Sabah, Sabah Progressive Party, Sabah STAR, United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation and Warisan have confirmed participation, with each given equal time and space to present their ideas.
Organisers emphasised that all parties would be treated with “equal respect, equal exposure and equal voice — no hierarchy, no bias, only ideas, vision and policy.”
To maintain neutrality, the forum will be funded entirely through small community crowdfunding contributions, with a full financial breakdown to be presented during the opening session and made public afterwards.
Although participation is by invitation, the public may join via livestream across the organisers’ Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and Instagram platforms.
With more than 55% of Sabah voters now under 40, the forum comes at a key moment as many young voters are expected to cast ballots for the first time. THE STAR
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