KOTA KINABALU: Empowering voters must come before campaign machinery, especially in efforts to improve turnout on polling day.
Assaffal Alian (Warisan-Tungku) made the call during the Sabah State Assembly sitting on Tuesday (April 15), urging the government to rethink how political funds are used during elections.
He proposed a significant reform in election financing, suggesting that public funds be channelled directly to voters as an incentive to cast their ballots rather than being spent on campaign activities.
“I propose a new reform related to political funding in elections. We know that elections in Malaysia can sometimes feel like a festival - go here and get this, go there and get that.
“But elections are a constitutional right and should reflect the voice of the people through the ballot box. I am concerned when turnout falls to around 55%, as this may mean the winner does not truly represent the majority in the constituency,” he said.
He suggested that the Election Commission (EC) and the government explore mechanisms to allocate funds that would encourage voter participation in future elections.
“If the government can channel direct financial aid into citizens’ bank accounts for other purposes, I believe the same can be done to support voters during elections—whether to offset costs or encourage civic duty,” he added.
Assaffal also reflected on his own upbringing in a remote village, recalling how he walked to school barefoot and endured hardship.
Now aged 60, he said he hopes future generations will not have to endure similar struggles.
He urged fellow assemblymen to put aside personal interests and work together to shape a better political future for Sabah.
“We must move beyond defending egos and positions. If we fail to reset our politics, it is our children who will bear the consequences,” he said.
He described the upcoming election as a chance for political renewal in the state.
