IDS' research on Sabah's role in federation
Published on: Sun, May 25, 2025 Text Size: Kota Kinabalu: The Institute for Development Studies (Sabah) (IDS) is holding second Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on its ongoing policy research aimed at enhancing Sabah's role within the Malaysian Federation. It would gather representatives from government agencies, academia, civil society, legal experts and the private sector to review and provide feedback on the first draft of the policy brief entitled 'Strengthening Sabah's Position in the Federation: A Strategic Approach to Federalism'. IDS Chief Executive, Datuk Ts. Dr. Ramzah Dambul said the discussion is part of IDS' continued efforts to produce inclusive, forward-looking policies grounded in Sabah's realities within the Federation. This paper explores sector-by-sector strategies spanning education, health, tourism, regional diplomacy, multimedia governance, and Sabah's official status, where the state can pursue greater administrative autonomy through legal, institutional, and policy-based reforms. The discussion aims to refine the draft in preparation for formal presentation to state-level policymakers. The final version of this brief will be published and made publicly accessible. It is intended to serve not only as a reference for the government, but also as a lasting platform for public understanding, stakeholder engagement, and sustained advocacy ensuring that the conversation does not conclude with the paper's completion, but rather begins with it.
Advertisement IDS Sabah invites all interested stakeholders, from civil society to public officials, to engage with the findings, contribute to the discourse, and help shape a governance future that reflects the aspirations and realities of Sabah. For further information about this programme, please contact the IDS researcher, Mr. Ariff Adi Putera Anwar (the brief's lead author and policy researcher at IDS), via e-mail at [email protected] or call 088- 450 500. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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