Sabah's 'Black Wave' independents could become kingmakers: Analyst

Loose alliance taps into voter frustration, desire for change ahead of high-stakes polls

- Muzliza Mustafa Malaysia Correspondent

Datuk Verdon Bahanda (fourth from right) is the face of the Black Wave network of independent candidates in the Sabah state election.

(VERDON BAHANDA OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE)

A striking sight has emerged in Sabah's state election campaign: clusters of candidates dressed entirely in black, each carrying an identical black flag bearing the Malay word “bebas”, or “independent”, in white.

They call themselves the Black Wave, a loose alliance of 17 independents who insist they are united by principle rather than party loyalty. They campaign separately but share a single message - Sabah needs leaders who answer to voters, not political elites.

This movement signals both voter frustration and a desire for change, as Sabah prepares for high-stakes polls on Nov 29 featuring a record 596 contenders, including 74 independents, for 73 seats. Of the election contenders, 525 are men and 71 are women; the youngest is 24, while the oldest is 86.

Sabah’s political scene is a crowded one, with over 30 parties in all, and is also marked by personality politics, frequent defections and the dominance of political dynasties.

The Black Wave group hopes to provide an alternative, riding on a platform that prioritises local representation and transparency, and aiming to shape a more people-centric, decentralised style of politics.

Among them is Mr Zaim Ansawi, 41, contesting in Tanjung Aru. “My boss is my community,” he told The Straits Times. “We are not tied to any party leader. Only locals know what the community needs.”

Another candidate, 53-year-old Cyril Gerald Liew, contesting Kapayan, has taken this commitment further. A former businessman, he sold a car to fund his campaign and may need to sell another to stay in the race.

“I am doing what I can with what I have,” he told ST. “This is about giving people a real choice, even if it comes at a price.”