Pakatan Harapan’s dismal performance in the 17th Sabah state election, winning only one of 22 seats contested, stems from widespread voter dissatisfaction, say analysts.
Associate Professor Dr Syaza Shukri from International Islamic University Malaysia said the results, including DAP’s total wipeout, reflect unhappiness with PH’s failure to deliver on reform promises.
Many urban Chinese voters shifted support to Warisan, which positioned itself as a stronger voice on Sabah issues.
40% Revenue Row Fuels Anger
Associate Professor Dr Lee Kuok Tiung from Universiti Malaysia Sabah highlighted the federal government’s appeal against the High Court ruling on Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement.
Ordinary voters viewed the move as misleading and damaging to the state’s interests.
Lee noted Chinese voters appeared to vote as a bloc, similar to past swings from MCA to DAP.
Election Snapshot
PH’s sole win came in Melalap through Jamawi Jaafar, who recently defected to PKR.
DAP lost all eight seats it previously held, while Amanah also drew a blank.
GRS secured 29 seats, Warisan 25, Barisan Nasional six, with the rest split among independents, Upko, STAR, PN, and KDM.
Voter turnout reached 64.35 per cent from 1,148,476 ballots cast.
