Jo-Anna Sue Henley Rampas emerges as a young figure in the political landscape, especially within Malaysia and Sabah, highlighting youth engagement. Her educational journey, with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Law, has paved her way into significant roles in both the political and academic spheres. As a Graduate Research Assistant and a PhD candidate, she dedicates her efforts to dissecting the nuances of democracy with a keen focus on youth participation. Her research revolves around the transformative UNDI18 legislation, which lowered the voting age in Malaysia from 21 to 18, underlining her commitment to understanding the youth’s electoral involvement, particularly in Sarawak and Sabah. This pursuit anchors her doctoral work at University Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), reflecting her deep investment in moulding the future political landscape through informed and active youth participation.
Her political narrative is further enriched by her tenure as the Political Secretary to YB Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Shafie Apdal, the former Chief Minister of Sabah, from 2018 to 2020. In this capacity, Jo-Anna not only stood out as one of the youngest individuals to assume such a position but also gained profound insights into the intricacies of Sabah’s political environment. Her efforts to engage women and youth in politics have been pivotal, highlighting her belief in the transformative power of their participation in shaping political discourse. Through her active involvement with multiple civil society organisations, she brings to light critical issues such as corruption, governance, and the underrepresentation of women and youth in politics, advocating for meaningful policy reforms at both local and national levels. Through her academic endeavours, she remain contributing to the formulation of local and national policies, as well as engaging in political discourse with both the government and opposition parties.
Moreover, Jo-Anna is an advocate for the rights of Sabahans, as enshrined in the Malaysian Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963, foundational elements of the Federation of Malaysia established in 1963. She emphasizes the necessity of addressing Sabah’s infrastructural and developmental challenges to diminish the disparities between Sabah, Sarawak, and Peninsular Malaysia. Her advocacy underscores her commitment to equitable development and the realization of Sabahans’ rights, demonstrating her broader vision for a balanced and fair Malaysian federation.
Outside the political arena, Jo-Anna has demonstrated leadership in community empowerment through ther newly formed Kiulu Youth Club. (Kelab Kebajikan Anak Kiulu). This initiative is dedicated to nurturing leadership qualities and fostering community engagement among the youth in Kiulu, her hometown. By prioritizing leadership development and community involvement, the club aims to equip young individuals with the skills and mindset to lead and inspire change locally.
Jo-Anna’s multifaceted career exemplifies her dedication to promoting democratic participation among Malaysia’s youth, embodying her aspiration for a dynamic democracy energized by the proactive engagement of young citizens. Through her academic research, political engagement, and community-driven initiatives, Jo-Anna champions the vision of a rejuvenated political landscape in Malaysia and Sabah, driven by informed and enthusiastic young leaders.
