KUALA LUMPUR – In a devastating outcome for the Democratic Action Party (DAP), unofficial results from the 17th Sabah general election reveal that the party has lost all eight seats it contested.
Among the most significant defeats was in Tanjung Aru, where Sabah DAP deputy chairman Datuk Chan Foong Hin, also the Deputy Minister for Plantation and Commodities, was defeated by Warisan’s Datuk Junz Wong. In a nine-cornered contest, Wong secured 2,603 votes, while Chan garnered just 1,039.
DAP’s losses were felt across several other constituencies, including Likas, Kapayan, Luyang, Elopura, Tanjung Papat, and Sri Tanjong, where the party struggled to compete against Warisan and other opponents.
In Likas, DAP’s Sabah chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe was outpaced by Warisan’s Tham Yun Fook, who secured 4,781 votes, leaving Phoong with only 2,644.
In Luyang, newcomer Chan Loong Wei, representing DAP, received just 4,944 votes, losing to Warisan’s Samuel Wong Tshun Chuen, who achieved 11,234 votes in a five-cornered battle. Similarly, in Kapayan, Warisan’s Chin Tek Ming claimed victory with 3,455 votes, defeating DAP’s incumbent, Jannie Lasimbang, who only managed 1,514 votes.
These urban constituencies had been DAP strongholds since 2013, making the losses all the more significant.
Other notable defeats included DAP’s Vivian Wong in Elopura, who was beaten by Warisan’s two-term incumbent Calvin Chong, with Wong securing 4,001 votes compared to Chong’s 6,307. In Kemabong, DAP’s Noorita Sual was defeated by GRS’ Rubin Balang, managing only 2,889 votes to Balang’s 4,486.
The party’s defeat in Tanjung Papat saw DAP earning just 1,623 votes, with Warisan’s Alex Thien taking 2,283 in an eight-cornered contest. Meanwhile, in Sri Tanjong, DAP’s Philip Yap garnered 6,549 votes, falling short of Warisan’s Justin Wong, who secured 9,648 votes.
This marks a sharp reversal for DAP, which had won six seats in the 2020 Sabah election, including Likas, Luyang, Kapayan, Sri Tanjong, Elopura, and Tanjung Papat.
In a statement following the loss, Sabah DAP acknowledged the defeat, expressing respect for the voters’ decisions. DAP also congratulated the winning candidates and parties. The party’s leadership vowed to reflect on the results, analyse weaknesses, and work towards regaining public support in future elections.
“As the Secretary-General of the party, I take full responsibility for the shortcomings and failure of DAP to secure any seats in this election,” said DAP Secretary-General Loke Siew Fook.
“We will double our efforts in the upcoming election to regain the trust of the people.”
Despite the setbacks, DAP remains represented in Parliament, with two MPs from Sabah continuing their work in Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan. – November 29, 2025