Can Malaysia’s Anwar survive ‘Sabah for Sabahans’ pushback in crucial state election?

A key issue driving Sabahans’ ire is the division of revenue collected from the resource-rich state by the federal government

Joseph Sipalan

South China Morning
12 Nov 2025

Malaysia’s election season kicks into full gear this weekend, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration forced to juggle national priorities with a push for greater autonomy in Sabah, as “Sabah for Sabahans” sentiment gains momentum in the make-or-break state.

The November 29 election in Sabah, one of two states on Malaysian Borneo, is widely seen as a gauge of Anwar’s popularity beyond his strongholds in the peninsula and a potential indicator of how well he could do in his presumed re-election bid in the next national poll that must be held by early 2028 at the latest.

Nomination day is scheduled for Saturday (last Saturday Nov 15th), when hundreds of prospective candidates are expected to hand in their papers for a shot at winning one of the 73 state seats up for grabs.

But the fight for the hearts and minds of the nearly 1.8 million voters is already well under way, as local parties distance themselves from their larger national peers in a bid to ride the surging pushback against federal control.

The latest issue driving voters’ ire against the federal government was a proposal by the attorney general to appeal against last month’s high court ruling confirming Sabah’s constitutional right to 40 per cent of federal revenue collected from the state.

Why a Sunway–IJM Merger Must Be Opposed?

A Case for Competition and National Interest

Lately, speculation has swirled about a possible merger between Sunway Bhd and IJM Corporation. Whether or not the deal actually materialises, the very fact that “the tree leaves are rustling” is a warning sign that there’s a wind blowing. 

Back in 2021, IJM divested its non-core businesses to Sunway. The relation was established. There is a need to be suspicious even though IJM has denied that any approach or proposal has been made. 

This blogger argue strongly against such a merger. The risks are profound as it is creating a near-monopoly in Malaysia’s construction and infrastructure sector, undermining Bumiputera institutional interests, and potentially masking deeper corporate governance and political problems.

Seeking clarity on co-teaching model

 

LETTERS 

Star Online Friday, 07 Nov 2025

THE Education Minister’s plan to introduce a “co-teaching” model in the 2027 school curriculum, where two teachers will conduct lessons together in one classroom, has sparked debate over its practicality and long-term feasibility.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek recently said the initiative aims to make teaching and learning more engaging and effective, ensuring every student receives adequate attention. Although the concept appears promising, its implementation presents several financial, operational, and staffing challenges that warrant clarification from the Education Ministry (MOE).

> Budget and staffing: A key concern is whether the MOE has the budgetary capacity to hire the additional teachers required for the co-teaching system, which effectively doubles the number of classroom educators.

Pondering over education

 

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” 

— Nelson Mandela  

This statement reminds us that education is not only about teaching knowledge but also about shaping a nation’s future. 

In Malaysia, education forms the foundation for social stability and economic progress. Yet, despite its importance, our education system continues to face deep challenges in preparing the younger generation for a rapidly changing world.

Recent tragedies — the death of Zara Qairina, two rape cases in schools, and a gruesome murder in a Petaling Jaya school — have shaken public confidence. Parents now question whether schools are still safe places for learning. Are there enough counsellors, discipline officers, and proper monitoring in schools? 

Many schools lack the trained staff needed to handle emotional and social issues. Teachers, already overworked, often find themselves acting as counsellors and administrators on top of their classroom duties.

Teachers should be focused on pedagogy — the art and science of teaching — yet they are often burdened by paperwork, reports, and clerical tasks.