KUALA LUMPUR – As the results of the 17th Sabah state election unfold, Barisan Nasional (BN) has signalled its readiness to collaborate with parties that share its vision to form a stable government in the state,” said its chairman, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
This statement comes amidst claims from Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) that they have secured enough seats to establish a new state government.
Zahid thanked the voters who placed their trust in BN’s candidates, acknowledging the significance of the election results in reinforcing the democratic process in Sabah.
“We respect the people’s decision and value the robust democratic participation we witnessed, with 596 candidates contesting across the state,” he said in a statement.
He also emphasised that the results highlighted BN’s continued strong support base and its key role in Sabah’s political landscape.
BN contested in 45 seats, including 41 under Umno’s banner, but only won 8 seats. Among the victorious figures was BN Sabah chairman, Bung Moktar Radin. Despite this, BN’s position in the state remains far behind GRS, which claimed 30 seats, and Warisan, which secured 21 seats.
As the dust settles, it is unclear which party or coalition will secure the 38-seat majority needed to form the government.
At present, no single party has reached the threshold to claim victory outright.
However, both PH and GRS have expressed confidence, with PH’s secretary-general, Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh, stating that they have enough seats to form a new government.
“We are optimistic that we will form a new government in Sabah tonight,” she said.
She added that discussions were ongoing between GRS chairman, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, and PKR’s Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari to finalise the details.
Meanwhile, the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO), Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM), and the five winning independent candidates are expected to play a pivotal role in determining the composition of the new Sabah government.
This is particularly important as neither GRS nor Warisan has secured the simple majority of 37 seats required to form the state government.
It is understood that negotiations between the local Sabah parties and independent candidates are currently ongoing, although no further details have been disclosed at this time.
The unofficial results show that GRS has secured 29 seats, with Warisan close behind at 21 seats. BN won 8 seats, while UPKO, KDM, STAR, and the five independent candidates each claimed 1 seat, and PH secured 2 seats. Combined, these groups total more than 37 seats, presenting a crucial opportunity for coalition talks to finalise the next government.
Fuziah also expressed gratitude for the voters’ decisions, acknowledging both strengths and weaknesses in the party’s performance. “We accept the decision of the voters with an open heart, and we are committed to learning from both our successes and areas of improvement,” she added. – November 30, 2025