The November 29 Sabah state election saw 596 candidates battle for 73 seats, yet only eight parties secured representation, leaving far more losers than winners.
Biggest Winner: Hajiji and GRS
Hajiji Noor emerged stronger, retaining the chief minister post with support from Upko, Barisan Nasional, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku, Pakatan Harapan, and five former GRS independents. GRS captured several traditional BN and Warisan strongholds through votes rather than defections. The coalition successfully tapped into Sabah-centric sentiment while holding solid Kadazandusun Murut and Muslim-Bumiputera backing.
Biggest Loser: Barisan Nasional
Barisan Nasional suffered its worst Sabah result in decades, clinging to only six seats after many key leaders fell. State chief Bung Moktar Radin barely survived in Lamag with a razor-thin 153-vote majority. The drubbing has intensified calls for leadership renewal within the once-dominant coalition.
Warisan Gains, PH Stumbles
Warisan surprised many by winning 25 seats alone, sweeping most urban areas with a notable Chinese voter swing. In contrast, Pakatan Harapan faced a wipeout, with DAP losing all seats and PKR surrendering traditional strongholds, triggering alarm within the national leadership.
Sabahans Send Strong Message
Despite the hung assembly, voters delivered a clear signal favouring local leadership and greater state rights. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim acknowledged the message, raising hopes that pending federal promises to Sabah will be fast-tracked ahead of the next general election.
