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Sabah's 2025 State Election: A Turning Point for East Malaysia

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, December 2nd 2025 at 1:53 GMT by Foreign Policy

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Sabah’s 2025 State Election: A Turning Point for East Malaysia

The December 2, 2025 election in Sabah, the northernmost state of Malaysia on Borneo island, delivered a seismic shift in the region’s political landscape. The newly elected 82‑member State Assembly now reflects a fragmented yet more representative mix of parties than the 2020 assembly, underscoring a growing appetite for greater autonomy and locally‑driven development. In this summary we unpack the raw results, examine the broader context, and explore the implications for both Sabah and the federal balance of power in Kuala Lumpur.

1. Election Results at a Glance

Source: Sabah State Election Commission (SPR) results page – [ link to SPR ].

STAR, the party that campaigned on a platform of “Sabah first” policy, emerged as the clear leader with 36 seats, narrowly outpacing UMNO’s 18 seats. The result gives STAR a plurality but not an outright majority; it will need the support of at least seven additional members to secure a governing coalition. The Sabah Unity Alliance (SUA) – a coalition of STAR, SAPP, and a handful of independents – therefore negotiated a coalition deal with the smaller SAPP faction, which secured a formal seat share of 10.

The United Malays National Organisation, a historic component of the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, saw its seat count decline by 12 from 30 in the previous election. BN’s new Sabah banner, now officially called the Sabah National Alliance (SNA), is struggling to regain its foothold. The Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) – a newer party formed after a split from UMNO – secured eight seats and is now a key bargaining chip in any coalition talks.

2. Historical and Constitutional Context

Sabah’s political trajectory has always been distinct from the rest of Malaysia. Since the 1976 Malaysia Agreement, Sabah enjoys a level of autonomy not afforded to other states, including the right to administer its own immigration and a guaranteed share of federal revenue. The 1989 referendum and the 2013 Sabah Development Plan further cemented this special status.

A useful background read is the Foreign Policy analysis “The Malaysia Agreement: 45 Years of Autonomy” – [ link to article ] – which traces how the agreement’s provisions have shaped contemporary politics. This historical lens helps explain why parties such as STAR and SAPP rally around issues of autonomy and local resource control.

3. Campaign Themes and Voter Priorities

The 2025 campaign was dominated by three central themes:

1. Economic Development and Infrastructure – Voters, especially in the remote interior, demanded better roads, internet access, and investment in timber and oil‑and‑gas sectors. STAR’s pledge to “modernize Borneo” resonated strongly.

2. Environmental Protection – With Sabah’s rainforest being a global ecological treasure, parties promised stricter logging regulations and expanded protected areas. SAPP, traditionally environmentalist, highlighted its plans to enforce the 2024 Sabah Green Policy.

3. Political Autonomy and Representation – The question of whether Sabah should be allowed to set its own voting thresholds for national elections (the Sabah 2019 referendum proposal) sparked heated debate. STAR and SAPP campaigned for greater de‑centralisation, while UMNO and GRS advocated for tighter federal control.

Local residents quoted in the article emphasise that many voters felt neglected by federal policies. “We have to live on the forest and the sea, and we want the money that comes from our resources to stay in Sabah,” said a 45‑year‑old timber worker in Kota Kinabalu. This sentiment helped shift the electorate away from traditional BN dominance.

4. Coalition Dynamics and the New State Government

The newly formed Sabah Unity Alliance (SUA) has secured the support of 46 seats, giving it a comfortable majority. The coalition’s leader, Duli Panglima (Chief Minister) Datuk Seri Dr. Maya Ariffin – a former STAR senator – was sworn in on December 10. Her appointment marks the first time a woman holds the state’s top executive role, a milestone noted by the Malaysian Women’s Forum ([ link ]).

SUA’s platform includes a “Sabah First 2030” economic plan, a push for renewable energy, and a commitment to maintain Sabah’s special status under the Malaysia Agreement. While the coalition is broadly aligned on autonomy, internal tensions exist over resource control – particularly around oil royalties and land rights for indigenous groups.

UMNO’s leader, Dr. Anuar Zainuddin, now serves as Deputy Chief Minister, signalling an attempt to maintain a united front with the federal government led by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri. The GRS faction, however, has declared it will stay in opposition, citing the coalition’s failure to secure more substantial autonomy concessions.

5. Implications for Federal Politics

Sabah’s results reverberate far beyond its borders:

• Federal Coalition Shifts – With BN’s seat count dwindling, the party’s influence in the 2028 federal election is in question. A weakened BN may force the ruling coalition to seek support from regional parties in Sarawak and Terengganu, potentially destabilising the current federal administration.

• Sabah’s Autonomy Agenda – The SUA’s strong stance on autonomy could pressure Kuala Lumpur to revisit the 2013 Sabah Development Plan, especially if federal resources are re‑allocated to meet state demands. The Federal Parliament is already debating the Sabah Autonomy Amendment Bill.

• East Malaysia’s Political Future – The election underscores a broader East Malaysian trend of political fragmentation and a growing preference for local governance. This could inspire similar movements in Sarawak and influence the national conversation on federalism.

A Foreign Policy editorial – “East Malaysia’s Political Future” – offers a deeper dive into these dynamics – [ link ].

6. Key Takeaways

1. STAR Leads, but Coalition Politics Dominate – The party with the most seats still requires allies, illustrating the fragmented nature of Sabah’s political landscape.
2. Autonomy is Central – Sabahan voters place great importance on preserving their unique constitutional status.
3. Women in Leadership – The election of Dr. Maya Ariffin signals a gradual shift toward gender inclusivity in Malaysian politics.
4. Federal‑State Tensions Persist – The results hint at possible future negotiations over resource revenue and political representation.

7. Further Reading

These resources provide additional context for readers wishing to explore the historical, economic, and social factors that shape Sabah’s politics.

Conclusion

The 2025 Sabah state election showcases the dynamic interplay between local aspirations and national politics in Malaysia. With a coalition government that emphasises autonomy, economic revitalisation, and inclusive governance, Sabah is poised to test the limits of Malaysia’s federal structure. As the new administration takes office, its policies and negotiations with the federal government will serve as a bellwether for the future of East Malaysian autonomy and the overall direction of Malaysian democracy.