GRS Wins Sabah Election, Securing 38 Seats

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, February 1st 2026 at 8:42 GMT by Channel NewsAsia Singapore
      Locale: MALAYSIA

KOTA KINABALU, February 1st, 2026 - The dust has settled on the Sabah state election, revealing a victory for the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition, which secured 38 seats in the 160-seat legislative assembly. The Pakatan Harapan-DAP (PH-DAP) alliance, representing the federal government led by Anwar Ibrahim, managed to win 33 seats. The Election Commission (EC) officially confirmed these results following a closely monitored and keenly contested election. Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) achieved 7 seats, and Parti Warisan Sabah garnered 3.

The outcome presents a nuanced political landscape for Sabah and has significant implications for the national political scene. While GRS emerges as the largest bloc, the substantial gains made by PH-DAP indicate a continued level of support for the federal government within the state, despite falling short of an outright majority.

Voter Turnout and Participation

Approximately 2.02 million of the 3.5 million registered voters participated in the election, resulting in a voter turnout of 57.8%. This figure, while representing healthy civic engagement, is slightly lower than some previous elections in Sabah, prompting discussions about factors influencing voter participation rates, including potential voter apathy and logistical challenges in reaching remote communities.

The Road to the Election

The state election was triggered by the dissolution of the Sabah state assembly on October 3rd, 2024, at the request of Chief Minister Hajiji Noor. This move, while constitutionally permissible, was seen by some as a strategic attempt to secure a fresh mandate and consolidate power, especially given the fluid political dynamics within Sabah.

GRS's Strategy and Support Base

GRS, a coalition primarily comprising local Sabah parties, successfully capitalized on sentiments of state autonomy and local representation. Their campaign focused on promises of continued economic development tailored to Sabah's unique needs, prioritizing issues like infrastructure improvements, land rights, and the preservation of local cultures. The coalition expertly tapped into a desire amongst Sabahans for greater control over their state's resources and destiny. Analysts suggest GRS benefited from a perception of being more attuned to the specific concerns of Sabah's diverse ethnic groups.

PH-DAP's Performance and Future Prospects

Despite not achieving a majority, PH-DAP's performance represents a notable increase in its representation within the Sabah legislative assembly. The alliance focused on national-level issues such as economic stability, good governance, and social justice, hoping to appeal to urban voters and those concerned with broader national policies. The results suggest a growing acceptance of PH-DAP's platform within Sabah, but also highlight the challenges of bridging the gap between national narratives and local priorities. The inability to secure a majority will undoubtedly force the alliance to re-evaluate its strategies for future elections.

Implications for Anwar's Federal Government

The Sabah election has been widely described by political commentators as a "mid-term report card" for Anwar Ibrahim's government. While the PH-DAP alliance's gains demonstrate continued support, the fact that GRS retained a majority signals potential challenges in implementing national policies within Sabah. The federal government will likely need to engage in more extensive negotiations and compromises with the state government to ensure effective cooperation and address key issues like revenue sharing and infrastructure development.

The Formation of a Stable Government

GRS chairman Hajiji Noor has expressed gratitude to voters and pledged to form a stable government. However, with no clear outright majority, the formation of a governing coalition may require delicate negotiations with other parties, including PBS and potentially even moderate factions within Warisan. Political observers anticipate a period of intense political maneuvering as parties seek to secure key positions and influence policy direction.

Looking Ahead: Sabah's Political Future

The Sabah state election results underscore the complexity of Sabah's political landscape. The state remains a crucial battleground for both national and local political forces. The balance of power is precarious, and the coming years will likely be marked by ongoing negotiations and strategic alliances. The success of the new government will hinge on its ability to address the socio-economic challenges facing Sabah, foster unity amongst its diverse communities, and ensure that the state's interests are effectively represented on the national stage. The election also reinforces the importance of local parties and the growing demand for greater regional autonomy within Malaysia.