‘Black Wave’ rolls into Sabah: Can independents turn into political kingmaker?

KOTA KINABALU – 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.”

The movement stands out in a political landscape long marked by churn and voter fatigue.

The previous state government was led by the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition under then Chief Minister Hajiji Noor of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, allied to Pakatan Harapan (PH), a federal coalition led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

GRS now faces a crowded field of challengers, including Parti Warisan, federal opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional (PN), and other local parties. For the independent candidates, staying outside this web of alliances is core to their claim of offering something new.

Self-funded campaigns against established party machinery

Despite being rich in natural resources, the state remains Malaysia’s poorest. Basic needs such as water, electricity and digital connectivity are still lacking, deepening frustration and strengthening calls for leaders with local credibility and commitment.

This frustration with the status quo led to the network’s formation, with independent Kudat MP Verdon Bahanda, 52, as the face of the movement.

In recent social media posts, he urged Sabahans to back leaders who prioritise integrity over party machinery.

“Choose candidates who struggle sincerely. Not because they were told to, but because they want to see Sabah rise again,” Datuk Verdon said in a Facebook post, also warning about the dangers of money politics.

Mr Verdon also rejected allegations by some political observers that the movement is a collection of candidates who failed to secure party tickets. According to him, the movement consists of individuals motivated by principle, not disappointment.

He has since inspired candidates such as Mr Zaim, an engineer and managing director of a construction company who also runs a youth football academy. Mr Zaim said he joined politics after meeting Mr Verdon, whom he described as transparent and action-oriented.

Mr Zaim said he wishes to focus on issues dear to voters’ hearts – from something as basic as drainage and flooding problems, to tourism development in his home town of Tanjung Aru. He believes voters have started shifting their priorities. “For 20 years, people looked at the party symbol. Now they look at the individual,” he said.

Like every other independent candidate in the movement, Mr Zaim’s campaign is self-funded. The Black Wave has no party machinery or financiers, relying instead on personal resources and volunteers.

This self-funded model reinforces the movement’s claim of independence, but also exposes the gulf between independents and parties with far larger resources. 

For voter Ah Tan, 60, who did not want to give his full name, after four decades of disappointment, the Black Wave deserves a chance.

“When the parties were in power, they forgot about the people. I’m willing to give them a chance,” he said.

Kingmaker potential hinges on unity

While candidates such as Mr Zaim and Mr Liew embody the grassroots momentum behind this surge of independents, their journeys are set against a turbulent political backdrop as Sabah heads into its most competitive election in decades.

Analysts suggest that this bold movement may appeal to voters seeking a different kind of representation after a series of state government-coalition collapses, coalition shifts and unfulfilled promises.

One of the central questions of this campaign is whether the Black Wave will grow into a viable “third force” – an independent political pact separate from the federal governing PH with its allies, or the opposition PN.

“It is an indicator of the need to seek a third force. Some segments of the voters are fed up with the existing parties,” said political analyst Tunku Mohar Mokhtar of the International Islamic University Malaysia.

Still, he warned that competing against well-resourced coalitions remains a formidable challenge.

“Even with coordination, it is going to be difficult for the Black Wave, considering the resources that the parties have,” he said.

Mr Zaim expects a hung government, as the election results are unlikely to produce a clear winner. To form a government, a party would need to secure 37 seats. He said the independents are prepared to negotiate with any coalition that prioritises Sabahans.

“We are not here to sell votes,” he said.

Analysts also remained cautious about the movement’s ability to turn its messaging into influence.

Dr Mohd Yusri Ibrahim, head researcher of independent pollster Ilham Centre, said voters support Black Wave candidates because of their individual reputations, and not because of the movement itself. He added that only a few independents appear competitive.

“Realistically, they may end up supporting other parties to form a stable government. I do not see them becoming kingmakers,” he said.

Dr Tunku Mohar offered a more cautious view. “If no coalition wins outright, the Black Wave can be the kingmaker,” he said. “But that requires the group to be a solid front and not be divided.”

Durability remains the biggest test. Sabah’s political landscape is fluid, and independent movements often fade after the election. Dr Tunku Mohar said the key question is whether the Black Wave can remain united.

“Its number is small, and Sabah politics has been historically fluid,” he added.

He also noted that the Black Wave’s impact remains localised.

“This is a very local, non-representative election,” he said, adding that Sabah’s political course is unlikely to be replicated at the national level.

Mr Verdon, for his part, believes voters are becoming more discerning and less willing to be swayed by short-term gains.

“The key is in our hands. Make it count. Let the people’s voice take its rightful place at the table of power,” he posted on Nov 25 in the last leg of the election campaign.

More than 1.7 million Sabahans are set to cast their votes on Nov 29. Early voting took place on Nov 25, and election candidates will be campaigning until 11.59pm on Nov 28.