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By Jayden Lisandu
Borneo Herald 8.00AM MYT 12/10/2025
KOTA KINABALU : Continuing its series of reform proposals for inclusion in Warisan’s upcoming election manifesto, the Change Advocate Movement Sabah (CAMOS) today urged the party to commit to restoring local government elections, marking the next vital step in returning political power to the people.
After calling for clean governance, a Sabah Land Tribunal, and Native Court reform, CAMOS president, Daniel John Jambun, believes that restoring local elections is the next pillar of true democratic renewal in Sabah.
"Power must flow from the people upward — not from political elites downward,” said Daniel in a statement here today.
The pro-reform NGO said, reintroducing local elections in Sabah will ensure district councils, municipal boards, and city halls are run by leaders chosen by the people, not appointed through political patronage as the usual practice.
“When leaders are elected, they serve the rakyat. When they are appointed, they serve their masters.
"That is why corruption, inefficiency, and unresponsive local governance continue to plague our councils,” Daniel added.
He also pointed out that Sabah once had elected local councils in the 1960s before the system was abolished in the name of “administrative convenience”.
"Restoring it would revive the democratic spirit envisioned under MA63 and ensure that local governance reflects the will and needs of local communities," said Daniel.
The senior activist also said, Sabah’s democracy must be rebuilt from the ground up.
"Local elections are not just about politics — they are about clean water, working roads, and transparent use of local taxes.
"The people deserve the power to choose who governs them,” he said.
Daniel said the reform aligns perfectly with Warisan’s broader manifesto direction, which already includes four key pillars: Good Governance and Transparency, the Sabah Land Tribunal, Native Court Reform, and the Momogun Agropreneur Programme.
“Restoring local government elections will complete the foundation of Warisan’s reform agenda — giving the people real control over land, law, livelihoods, and leadership,” he further said.
He concluded that this reform would send a powerful message that Warisan stands not only for political change, but for a new Sabah built on participation, fairness, and accountability.
"Let Sabah leads to prove that democracy still works — from the kampung level to the Chief Minister’s Office. The time has come to return power to the people," he added.
Daniel John Jambun is the President of
Change Advocate Movement Sabah (CAMOS)#~Borneo Herald™
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