COMMENT | As elite appointments are impacting those in power, Sabah politics is shifting from below.

The most powerful new driver is Sarawak envy, as a new generation is embracing Sabah state nationalism and focusing on gaps in governance.

A Borneo comparison

Sarawak has become a model for many Sabahans. It does not take long for a Sabahan to talk about the perceived success of Sarawak leaders in gaining autonomy, resources from oil and gas and stature from economic growth, including green energy.

The Sarawak government’s policies on education, healthcare, and infrastructure improvements have also...