John Ambrose
KOTA KINABALU: Former Senator Datuk John Ambrose has lauded Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) for pledging to cover the deposit for first-time homebuyers, calling it a ground-breaking initiative that could help thousands of young Sabahans finally own a home.
He said the move reflects GRS’ understanding of the struggles faced by young workers in Sabah, where rising property prices and stagnant wages have made homeownership increasingly difficult.
“Having a roof over our heads is a basic human right. For many young Sabahans, the deposit is the main obstacle. Most have just started working and cannot save enough for the down payment. GRS understands this challenge and has pledged support,” he said.
John, also a GRS Supreme Council member, noted that the coalition is the first to promise full deposit assistance—a cost that usually accounts for 10% of a property’s price and is widely seen as the biggest barrier for young buyers.
The pledge forms part of GRS’s initiatives to be implemented if they return to power on November 29. Caretaker Chief Minister and GRS Chairman Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor confirmed that first-time homebuyers in Sabah would have their deposits covered by the coalition, if given the mandate.
John highlighted that Sabah’s property affordability crisis has been worsening for over a decade. Studies show the state’s housing prices remain among the least affordable in Malaysia relative to local incomes. Urban homes in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Likas and Tuaran are priced far beyond the reach of workers earning RM2,000–RM3,000 per month.
“A national survey found that only a small percentage of Malaysian youth own a home, with the initial deposit cited as the toughest hurdle. In Sabah, lower median salaries make it nearly impossible to save the RM20,000–RM40,000 needed for a down payment,” he said.
He also pointed out that urban rental rates have surged, with Kota Kinabalu rents now rivaling Kuala Lumpur’s, despite significantly lower wages. Many young Sabahans remain trapped in a cycle of renting, unable to save for property.
Under the GRS proposal, first-time buyers would no longer need to pay the deposit, removing the largest upfront financial barrier.
“Many young people want to start families and settle in Sabah, but deposits remain the stumbling block. This policy offers a real pathway to homeownership,” added John.
He stressed that affordable housing is critical not just for individuals, but for long-term economic stability, talent retention, and social wellbeing in the state.
“With homeownership rates stagnating and costs rising, the GRS deposit pledge arrives as a timely solution, offering hope to a generation that fears being shut out of the property market,” he said.
John urged Sabahans, especially the youth, to seize this opportunity. If GRS is returned to power, 50 units of SMJ homes will be allocated in every constituency, with 10 units specifically for young people in the B40 and e-Kasih brackets, particularly newlyweds.
