KOTA KINABALU: Youths in Sabah have given their thumbs up to the pledge made by political parties contesting in the Nov 29 election to limit the chief minister’s tenure to two terms, saying the move could pave the way for more effective governance and long-term development in the state.
For 21-year-old Eliah Gorus, the two-term cap is a reasonable timeframe for any chief minister to introduce and complete major initiatives, particularly those related to infrastructure.
“Two terms are enough for a chief minister to carry out development. Within that period, we will be able to see clear changes.
“For example, in terms of road infrastructure, if the chief minister focuses on improving Sabah’s road network, we will see that progress.
“Compared with limiting the post to just one term, I feel that is not enough time for the chief minister to deliver development because the timeframe is too short,” said Eliah, who is from Paitan.
Mohd Mokhtar Azfar Abdul Hadi, 21, also supported the two-term cap, describing it as a reasonable period for a chief minister to implement various reforms.
He added that the limit also opens the door for others to lead the state.
However, Mokhtar, who will be voting for the second time in the Sabah state election, expressed concern about the chief minister who would take over after the two-term limit.
“If a chief minister has carried out his duties well and his administration is stable, but he cannot continue to a third term and must be replaced, that could be a disadvantage.
“If the person replacing him is not as capable, that would be a negative outcome,” he said.
Nizah Aliam, 22, said the chief minister appointed after the polls must provide more job opportunities for young people.
“This is especially important for fresh graduates. At the moment, hiring here prioritises experience.
“Those who have just completed their studies find it difficult to secure jobs. So what we want is more job opportunities for young people,” she said.
Nizah also proposed that the Sabah government provide an annual RM1,000 education aid for Sabahan students who have secured places at universities.
She said this would help cover tuition fees as well as rising daily expenses.
To date, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Barisan Nasional (BN) have announced in their respective manifestos for the 17th Sabah election that they would limit the chief minister’s tenure to a maximum of two terms if they win the polls.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
