By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: As Sabah heads towards a crucial 17th Sabah General Election, a new wave of civic consciousness is emerging among the younger generation, one that seeks politics grounded in integrity, good governance and real solutions for the people.
In response to this growing momentum, a coalition of non-partisan youth and civic movements including Community Empowerment Initiative Sabah, Gerakan Anak Sabah, Hai Mandak, Sabah Youth Movement, SEEN, SPADE and The Sip Sip Show is convening a historic event titled “Bah-Bincang Kita, Sabah Pre-Election Youth Forum 2025” on November 8, 2025, in Kota Kinabalu.
Designed to set a new benchmark for political discourse in Sabah, the forum will bring together youth leaders from major political parties alongside 120 invited young participants from various youth organisations and networks for constructive, rational and issue-based dialogue on the state’s future.
The event will be a closed-door session by invitation only, ensuring a conducive and focused environment for meaningful youth discussion.
However, the public is warmly invited to follow the live streaming via the co-organisers’ social media platforms on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and Instagram, allowing thousands more to participate virtually in this historic conversation.
The forum aims to nurture a policy-based political culture in Sabah, one that replaces empty rhetoric and divisive politics with discussions on governance, development and the collective future of young Sabahans.
Equally important, it seeks to create an open and constructive atmosphere in which all participants recognise their shared desire for the best possible outcome for Sabah.
Despite holding different political views and approaches, all are collectively committed to open dialogue, collaboration and unity in pursuit of a shared vision for the state’s future.
“This is more than an event; it’s a defining opportunity for young Sabahans to shape political history,” said the organising committee in a joint statement.
“We want to show that political engagement can be intelligent, respectful and rooted in shared responsibility for Sabah’s future. The response from political parties has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Youth leaders from DAP, GRS, Keadilian, MUDA, PIS, SAPP, STAR, UPKO and Warisan have all confirmed their participation, with more expressing interest.
“This broad cross-party engagement underscores the growing recognition that Sabah’s future depends on collaboration and dialogue across political divides. Each participating youth leader will be given equal time and equal opportunity to share their vision.
“The organisers have pledged that all parties will be treated with equal respect, equal exposure and equal voice, no hierarchy, no bias, only ideas, vision and policy,” the statement added.
With over 55 per cent of Sabah’s electorate now under 40, the forum is especially timely. Many young voters will be casting their ballots for the first time, and the event aims to equip them with the clarity and confidence to make informed choices.
It also serves as a model for issue-based youth forums nationwide, promoting rational dialogue and civic maturity as cornerstones of democratic participation.
Ultimately, the statement said “Bah-Bincang Kita, Sabah Pre-Election Youth Forum 2025” aims to inspire a generation of Sabahans to view politics not as unhealthy politicking but as a platform for collaboration, creativity and problem-solving.
It is a call for young citizens to rise, to learn, to lead and to reclaim their role in shaping the destiny of their beloved state.
To uphold the principles of non-partisanship and shared community responsibility, the forum will be funded entirely through small community crowdfunding contributions.
This approach ensures the event remains truly independent and people-driven. A detailed financial breakdown will be presented during the opening session and made publicly available after the event, ensuring full transparency and accountability.
