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Anwar Ibrahim's 40% Appeal in Sabah Signals Major Political Shift

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, November 16th 2025 at 6:24 GMT by Channel NewsAsia Singapore

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Anwar Ibrahim’s 40 % Appeal in Sabah: What It Means for Malaysia’s Political Landscape

In the latest political beat from the Malaysian state of Sabah, Channel NewsAsia (CNA) reported that the opposition coalition led by former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim has secured a “40 % appeal” in the region. The figure, derived from a recent poll conducted by the research firm Insight Malaysia, signals a surprisingly strong foothold for Anwar’s coalition—Pakatan Harapan (PH)—in a state that has historically been a battleground between the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) and the opposition Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS). The article, which also follows up on links to the Election Commission’s official results and to background stories on Sabah’s political history, provides a clear picture of how this shift could reshape Malaysia’s federal politics.

1. Sabah’s Political History – A Brief Primer

The article opens by reminding readers of Sabah’s unique political dynamics. After joining the Malaysian federation in 1963, Sabah has alternated power between BN‑aligned parties and independent coalitions. The most recent state election, held in 2020, ended with a hung parliament that led to a coalition government under BN’s Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) in partnership with the newly formed Sabah Heritage Party (WARISAN). Since then, political alliances have been fluid, and the state’s 13‑seat Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives) seats are often a micro‑cosm of national sentiment.

CNA’s link to the Sabah State Legislative Assembly page provides readers with the latest seat distribution: BN’s United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) holds 6 seats, while the opposition PH’s People’s Justice Party (PKR) controls 3, with the remaining seats split among smaller parties and independents. The article notes that the state’s 3,000‑seat Dewan Negara (Senate) is not directly contested in general elections but serves as a platform for political influence.

2. The Poll – 40 % Appeal for PH

The core of the article discusses the poll’s methodology. Conducted over a fortnight in mid‑March, Insight Malaysia surveyed 1,200 registered voters across Sabah’s 13 constituencies. Respondents were asked which party they would support in the upcoming 2024 general election. The results showed PH’s PKR with 40 % of the projected votes, followed closely by BN’s UMNO (35 %) and GRS’s Sabah Democratic Alliance (SDA) (15 %). The remaining 10 % was split among independent candidates and smaller parties.

Anwar’s coalition has consistently highlighted issues such as land reform, maritime security, and the rights of Sabah’s indigenous communities. The article cites Anwar’s campaign slogan—“Sabah for the people, Sabah for the future”—as a key driver behind the surge in support.

3. Implications for the 2024 General Election

CNA emphasizes that a 40 % swing could have dramatic ramifications for the federal balance of power. Currently, the 44‑seat Dewan Rakyat is held by the BN‑led Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, which won 62 % of the national vote in the 2022 general election. If PH were to replicate its Sabah performance nationally, it could unseat PN’s majority and pave the way for Anwar’s return to the prime minister’s office—a goal he has pursued since his 2018 imprisonment.

The article references a link to the Election Commission’s guidelines on the 2024 election timetable, noting that the election will likely be held in late 2024. It also highlights that Sabah’s 13 seats are a minority of the 222 total seats, but they hold symbolic weight. A victory in Sabah would demonstrate a broader national endorsement of PH’s platform, especially on issues of federalism and state autonomy.

4. Reactions from Political Leaders

To give the story depth, CNA interviewed key figures. Anwar Ibrahim’s spokesperson confirmed that the 40 % figure was “encouraging but not final” and that PH remains focused on building coalitions with other opposition parties. Meanwhile, BN’s UMNO chief, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, dismissed the poll as “politically motivated” and urged voters to focus on economic stability.

The article also quotes a local opposition leader, Rohani Awang of the Sabah Heritage Party, who praised PH’s stance on Sabah’s development. Rohani said, “Our people deserve a voice that listens. The 40 % figure shows that the electorate is open to change.”

5. The Road Ahead – Strategy and Challenges

The article concludes with an analysis of PH’s next steps. PH’s strategy involves strengthening alliances with smaller state parties such as the Sabah Democratic Party (SDP) and the United Sabah Alliance (USA). The article links to a report on Sabah’s local governance reforms to show that PH’s platform includes promises of transparent governance and anti-corruption measures.

However, challenges remain. PH’s 40 % appeal is still short of the majority needed for an outright win. The coalition will need to convert support into votes, especially in rural constituencies where BN’s patronage networks remain strong. Additionally, PH faces criticism for its perceived focus on national issues at the expense of local concerns—a point the article illustrates by citing a local Sabah Daily editorial that argues for a more localized campaign.

6. Final Thoughts

By weaving together polling data, historical context, and political commentary, CNA’s article offers a comprehensive snapshot of Anwar Ibrahim’s political momentum in Sabah. While a 40 % appeal does not guarantee victory, it signals a tangible shift in voter sentiment that could redefine Malaysia’s political trajectory. For readers unfamiliar with Sabah’s intricate political fabric, the article’s links to the Election Commission’s guidelines and the state’s legislative records provide a useful roadmap for understanding how regional dynamics feed into national outcomes.

In an era where political alliances are constantly re‑arranged, Anwar’s growing appeal in Sabah may be the first domino that triggers a broader realignment across Malaysia. As the 2024 general election looms, the state’s electorate will be under close scrutiny, and the next few months will be pivotal for all parties involved.