Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Action Body Advocating Rights (Sabar) will host the Final Town Hall Event of its landmark initiative, “Sabah Voices to Action – Shaping Sabah’s Future Together“, on Sunday, June 22, from 1pm to 5pm at the Kota Kinabalu Community Hall.
This pivotal event will bring together 300 invited participants to present and deliberate on Sabahans’ collective aspirations and policy recommendations in the lead-up to the 2025 Sabah State Election.
Since its launch in March 2025, this non-partisan, citizen-driven initiative has engaged thousands of Sabahans in meaningful public discussions on critical policy areas, including education, healthcare, public infrastructure, and good governance.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});It has successfully created inclusive platforms for citizens to voice their concerns, propose practical solutions, and influence policy directions grounded in lived experiences and professional expertise. The initiative has produced eight podcast episodes — collectively approaching 100,000 views — featuring prominent Sabahan experts and thought leaders.
It has also published over 30 articles in the Daily Express, generating strong public engagement.
In addition, 12 regional town halls have been held across various districts, involving more than 500 stakeholders from diverse sectors such as education, healthcare, engineering, civil society, and youth leadership.
The Final Town Hall will gather representatives from professional bodies, civil society organisations, youth groups, and political parties for an afternoon of presentations on the consolidated report, titled “Sabahans’ Aspirations and Demands in Education, Healthcare, Public Infrastructure, and Good Governance.”
The document will then be presented to representatives of the Government of the Day and major political coalitions as a reference for policy planning and electoral commitments.
Chairman of the Board of Sabar Datuk Zainie Abdul Aucasa said the initiative aims to fundamentally reshape Sabah’s political and policy formulation culture.
“We can no longer afford to rely on empty political slogans. What Sabah urgently needs are carefully formulated, tangible, and actionable policy commitments that lead to real, measurable improvements in people’s lives.
Sabah Voices to Action is about transforming public concerns into structured, evidence-based recommendations that can guide meaningful policy change.
It’s also more than just policy—it’s about people. Real change begins when the voices of ordinary Sabahans are heard, respected, and reflected in the decisions that shape our future. This initiative offers a rare and credible platform for inclusive, informed, and solution-driven dialogue.”
He added, “But this is only the beginning. I urge the public to continue following the outcomes of this initiative closely as we head into the state election. We must speak up, stay engaged, and hold our leaders accountable.
At the same time, I call on all political parties and leaders to listen to what the people have expressed and to incorporate these aspirations into your election manifestos. This is your opportunity to show that you are serious about participatory governance and people-centered leadership.
We also hope this initiative inspires more Sabahans — especially our youth — not just to speak out, but to do so constructively. Sabah doesn’t just need louder voices—it needs wiser, braver, and more committed ones.”
Although the Final Town Hall is a by-invitation-only event, Sabar welcomes expressions of interest and support from members of the public.
Individuals who are passionate about shaping a better future for Sabah and wish to attend or contribute to this initiative are encouraged to contact the organising team — Majella at +60 10-370 7069 or Adelina at +60 17-810 0102 — for consideration.
Sabar looks forward to engaging with committed and like-minded Sabahans who are ready to voice their ideas and contribute constructively to the state’s policy future.