Kota Kinabalu: Four young women from Kota Belud launched a crowdfunding campaign to help at least 100 Sabahans working or studying outside the State return home to vote in the coming 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17).
The initiative, called “Kempen Anak Sabah Balik Mengundi”, was started by Priska Magdalene Sinem, Calvina Angayung, Suriana Mohammad Salleh and Cindy May Justin, collectively known as Hai Mandak!. It aims to raise RM60,000 in total.
A total of RM42,500 has been allocated for 50 Sabahans living outside the State, who will each receive RM850 to help cover their travel expenses to return home and vote.
Another RM17,500 will be distributed to 50 Sabahans within the State, with each receiving RM350 in travel assistance to ensure they can also make the journey to their respective voting districts.
“Mau balik, tapi tiket mahal (I want to go home, but the ticket is too expensive) – that’s what we always hear from young Sabahans. If thousands can’t return home just because of flight costs, the youths’ voice will go unheard on polling day,” Priska said during a press conference, here, Monday.
More than 900,000 Sabah voters, or 54 per cent, are aged between 18 and 40, making them a key deciding bloc or “kingmakers” in PRN17.
Beyond raising travel funds, Hai Mandak! also runs a political literacy programme called “Kelas Ko Ada Kuasa Bah!” (KKAKB), aimed at helping youth understand the structure of government, the power of voting, and effective ways to voice public concerns.
The classes, conducted both online and in rural communities across Kota Marudu, Kota Belud and Kota Kinabalu, are designed to be short, visual and easy to understand.
“To get more youths involved in democracy, they need to understand that voting is just one of the many ways citizens hold power,” said Calvina.
So far, 838 youths have registered for Phase 1 of the travel assistance campaign, while 17 KKAKB sessions have already been held.
In the lead-up to PRN17, the group plans to launch a “30 Hari 30 Konten PRN” social media series, inspired by popular online creators, to share bite-sized election-related content daily. They will also embark on a “Tour Kelas Ko Ada Kuasa Bah!” across Sabah, supported by nine volunteer trainers.
Despite the scale of their work, Hai Mandak! emphasised that the entire initiative is self-funded and independent, without support from any political party.
“Hai Mandak! is by youth, for youth. We want to show that civic engagement can be fun, creative, and impactful,” Suriana said.
The team also reiterated their neutral stance, stressing that Hai Mandak! does not promote or affiliate with any political party. Their mission, they said, is purely educational – focused on raising political awareness and helping citizens make informed choices.
“Hai Mandak! isn’t tied to any political party. Our funding sources and campaign management are fully transparent. We are an independent group, not politically funded nor influenced by any external organisation.
“We’re ordinary young Sabahans who care deeply about our State’s progress,” Priska said.
They expressed hope that more young voters will recognise the power of their ballots and their influence as 54 per cent of Sabah’s electorate.
“We hope to one day see 100 per cent youth voter turnout, ensuring that the voices and priorities of Sabah’s younger generation are truly reflected in leadership,” Cindy said.
Formed in February 2025, Hai Mandak! aims to make political and civic education more accessible to young Sabahans through creative content and grassroots activities.
The group encourages Sabahans, local businesses, and community leaders to support their crowdfunding campaign and help more young voters return home to participate in PRN17.
“Sabah’s youth are not just the kingmakers of this election – they are the ones shaping the state’s future,” Priska said.