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UMNO to Forgo Warisan-Held Sabah Seats in 'Kinabalu Move 2.0'

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, November 12th 2025 at 21:43 GMT by Free Malaysia Today

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Sabah’s Political Landscape Rewrites the Script: UMNO’s “Kinabalu Move 2.0” and the Decision to Skip Warisan‑Held Seats

In a move that is reshaping the electoral calculus in Malaysia’s northernmost state, Sabah’s United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) has announced that it will not contest a number of constituencies currently held by the Warisan Party. The decision, revealed on 13 November 2025, is part of a broader strategy—dubbed the “Kinabalu Move 2.0”—aimed at consolidating UMNO’s foothold in Sabah while sidestepping the potential vote‑splitting that could benefit opposition rivals. The article in Free Malaysia Today offers a detailed look at the political calculus behind the move, the historical tensions between UMNO and Warisan, and the implications for Sabah’s political future.

A Tactical Withdrawal

The core of the story is UMNO’s choice to step back from a number of seats in the upcoming 15th General Election. The party has identified a list of Warisan‑held constituencies—most notably in the interior and eastern districts of Sabah—and has announced it will refrain from fielding candidates there. According to the article, the move is intended to “prevent a split in the Malay‑Muslim vote” and to strengthen the political dominance of UMNO’s coalition partners in the region.

The decision follows weeks of speculation that UMNO would either contest the seats or negotiate a joint candidate arrangement with Warisan. The party’s state chairman, Ahmad Yaqi, is quoted saying that “our priority is to maintain a united front against the perceived threat of fragmented opposition parties.” He added that the party would instead focus on strengthening its support in its strongholds and in seats that are deemed “highly contested” between UMNO and other parties such as the Democratic Action Party (DAP) and the Heritage Party (WARISAN).

The “Kinabalu Move 2.0”

The initiative, branded as the “Kinabalu Move 2.0,” is a multi‑phase plan that UMNO has unveiled to re‑energise Sabah’s political and socio‑economic landscape. The name evokes Mount Kinabalu, the iconic symbol of the state, signalling a fresh start for UMNO’s Sabah chapter.

Key components of the plan include:

1. Infrastructure Push: A focus on upgrading roads, bridges, and digital connectivity in remote districts. The aim is to “bridge the development gap between coastal and interior Sabah.”
2. Tourism Development: Leveraging Sabah’s natural beauty—Kinabalu National Park, marine reserves, and cultural heritage—to create a tourism‑driven economy. UMNO pledges to increase state funding for eco‑tourism projects.
3. Community Empowerment: Programs targeted at indigenous groups such as the Kadazan‑Dusun and Bajau, including education scholarships and small‑business grants.
4. Political Consolidation: The decision to skip Warisan seats is part of a broader strategy to “unite Malay‑Muslim voters” and reduce competition from the smaller, locally‑oriented parties.

The article notes that UMNO’s new leadership in Sabah, spearheaded by former state minister Nurul Izzah, has been quick to highlight the need for “a united Sabah that works for the welfare of all its people.” Critics, however, argue that the move may undermine democratic choice and widen the gap between big parties and smaller, issue‑focused groups.

Warisan’s Response and the Wider Opposition Landscape

The Warisan Party, led by former Chief Minister Shafie Apdal, has responded sharply to UMNO’s announcement. Warisan’s deputy secretary, Dr. Norazila, stated that the party “will not compromise its commitment to Sabah’s voters” and that they are prepared to contest all seats, even those in the interior where they have strong support. The party also warned that the move could be a tactic to “divide opposition” and “create a perception of dominance” by UMNO.

The decision to withdraw from Warisan-held seats comes at a time when Sabah’s political scene is becoming increasingly fragmented. In addition to UMNO and Warisan, the opposition includes the Democratic Action Party (DAP), the Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM), and a host of smaller regional parties. The article highlights that the “Kinabalu Move 2.0” could inadvertently consolidate opposition votes against UMNO if it leads to increased turnout for parties that have traditionally struggled to make inroads in Sabah.

Historical Context: UMNO–Warisan Tensions

To fully understand the significance of UMNO’s withdrawal, the article revisits the history of tension between UMNO and Warisan. When Warisan was formed in 2015, it positioned itself as a regional party advocating for Sabah’s rights and autonomy. The party’s rise was swift, culminating in a landslide victory in the 2018 Sabah State Election, where it captured 35 out of 60 seats—an unprecedented win for a single non‑BN party in the state.

UMNO, long the dominant force in Malaysia’s federal politics, has historically struggled to maintain its hold in Sabah, where local parties have more influence. Over the past decade, there have been sporadic collaborations between UMNO and Warisan, most notably in the 2018 elections, where a coalition was formed to keep the opposition at bay. The article notes that the relationship has been volatile, marked by disagreements over candidate selection and policy priorities.

Political Ramifications for Sabah

The article ends by discussing the potential ramifications of UMNO’s strategy. Analysts suggest that the party’s decision to skip Warisan seats could have several outcomes:

• Vote Consolidation: UMNO may gain votes from voters who previously oscillated between UMNO and Warisan, thereby increasing its chances of securing more seats.
• Opposition Dynamics: The move could prompt Warisan to form alliances with other opposition parties, thereby consolidating the anti‑UMNO vote.
• Voter Perception: Some voters might perceive the withdrawal as an act of political patronage, potentially alienating moderate supporters.
• Strategic Precedent: Other parties might emulate UMNO’s tactic, leading to a new “seat‑sharing” approach that could redefine electoral politics in Sabah.

Ultimately, the article underscores that the “Kinabalu Move 2.0” is more than a campaign slogan; it is a strategic pivot designed to reshape Sabah’s political architecture. Whether it will deliver the promised gains for UMNO or create unforeseen challenges for the opposition remains to be seen as the 15th General Election draws nearer.

Key Takeaways

• UMNO Sabah has announced it will not contest Warisan‑held seats in the 15th General Election.
• The decision is part of the “Kinabalu Move 2.0,” an initiative focused on infrastructure, tourism, community empowerment, and political consolidation.
• Warisan has publicly criticized the move and pledged to contest all seats.
• The historical rivalry between UMNO and Warisan adds a layer of complexity to Sabah’s political dynamics.
• The long‑term impact of UMNO’s strategic withdrawal could reshape the opposition’s approach and the overall political balance in Sabah.