/file/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2025/11/4212db0ed256f99638996fe36725b942.jpg)
Old leaders should make way for young, Upko veteran says amid crowded polls
SABAH POLLS | Senior politicians should begin making way for younger figures in Sabah politics, as the state enters one of its most crowded election contests, said a senior Upko leader.
Marcus Mojigoh, 74, said he had taken note of several long-serving leaders joining the fray again, but argued that generational renewal was necessary if Sabah wanted a more forward-looking political landscape.
SABAH POLLS | Senior politicians should begin making way for younger figures in Sabah politics, as the state enters one of its most crowded election contests, said a senior Upko leader.
Marcus Mojigoh, 74, said he had taken note of several long-serving leaders joining the fray again, but argued that generational renewal was necessary if Sabah wanted a more forward-looking political landscape.
“We must give opportunities to the young. Older leaders have wisdom, yes, but this is the time for rejuvenation,” Marcus (above) told Malaysiakini after a ceramah in Tanjung Aru last night.
This came following an exchange between Bongawan candidates, former foreign minister Anifah Aman and Kimanis MP Mohamad Alamin.
In a recent video clip, recorded after a meeting in Parliament, Anifah is heard saying he had asked Mohamad not to contest, but the latter replied that the 72-year-old was “already old” and should make way for the young.
Anifah said this was rude, and later decided to enter the Bongawan race after learning Mohamad would be contesting there.
Dilemma of power hoarding
Such episodes, Marcus opined, underline a dilemma in Sabah politics of power hoarding, but added that this should not overshadow the need for a more deliberate transition between generations.
The former Putatan MP shared that he does not feel offended when he is called old.
“Why should any senior politician be (offended)?
“If the young want to step up, give them the chance,” he said.
He added that veteran figures still could contribute without holding frontline positions.
“I am still fighting, maybe in another way. We still have wisdom, so it does not mean we are irrelevant,” he said.
/file/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2025/11/d392b5f8139fc34d1995d6281da7cb38.jpg)
/file/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2025/10/8c06808c93c7ce6c2040a4fc120b9e9a.jpg)
/file/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2022/10/ca25ae936fca650158f5adc62abba782.jpg)
/file/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2025/11/543efae7650e1e2b82265d119ef7e34d.jpg)
/file/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2025/07/2f2a33dbbc6d47f997f63a5b719fc373.jpg)
