Young Sabah voters prioritise leadership quality over party affiliation

 By Olivia Miwil - March 11, 2025 @ 10:15am

Datuk Fairuz Renddan said while around 30 per cent of young voters are engaged in party politics, the majority are more concerned with the effectiveness of leadership and the delivery of services. COURTESY PIC

KOTA KINABALU: Young voters are prioritising leadership quality over party affiliation, according to the state's assistant Youth and Sports Minister.

Datuk Fairuz Renddan said while around 30 per cent of young voters are engaged in party politics, the majority are more concerned with the effectiveness of leadership and the delivery of services.

"Many young people are not interested in political parties; they are interested in service. We need to listen to their voices and address their concerns.

"Young people understand that regardless of the government or its leaders, they have to fight for themselves.

"They want a platform for their future, from schooling to university levels," he told the media during an Iftar session at the Sabah International Convention Centre last night.

Fairuz, who is also a one-term Pintasan assemblyman, said this shift in mindset has prompted the government to focus on grassroots engagement, offering youth-centered programmes that resonate with their interests.

According to Universiti Malaysia Sabah, as of March last year, there were 932,541 young voters aged 18 to 39 in Sabah, accounting for 55.2 percent of the total registered voters, which stands at 1,689,387.

For the past two years, instead of relying on traditional election machinery to engage with voters, the government has emphasised outreach through its programmes.

"We understand that young people are more interested in youth programmes, such as sepak takraw and development initiatives," he said.

Regarding the upcoming state election, Fairuz is optimistic that young voters will prefer fresh-faced candidates.

"There should be space for young candidates. Even though we have not yet reached a high level, like myself, I see myself as part of the people, working to solve their issues.

"This time, we believe Semporna should have young candidates. Despite it being a stronghold for Parti Warisan, we have also managed to break through strongholds in the 16th state election.

"Young people today don't look at parties; they look at leaders. They want a new leader, but not necessarily someone too young.

"This is not about dismissing older leaders. Even football players have their time to rest."