ARTICLES

The Battle for Sabah: Key Players, Critical Issues and Potential Scenarios

Arnold Puyok

Sabah’s political landscape is notably fluid and polarised, characterised by frequent changes in government and deep divisions along territorial, ethnic, party, and personality lines. Critical issues for the upcoming state election (to be held by December 2025) include economic development disparities, infrastructure challenges, and the contentious Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) debate.