Sabah's political chessboard ahead of State Election: Who’s teaming up, who’s splitting off and what’s at stake?
While some are forming unexpected alliances, others are preparing for direct confrontations, setting the stage for one of the most complex and consequential elections in the state's recent history.
SHAH ALAM - As Sabah gears up for its 17th State Election, political alliances are shifting rapidly.
Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) are all making strategic moves.
While some are forming unexpected alliances, others are preparing for direct confrontations, setting the stage for one of the most complex and consequential elections in the state's recent history.
GRS and PH: From survival pact to electoral alliance
On July 27, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor confirmed that GRS and PH will officially collaborate in the upcoming state election.
“Of course, we are ready, but the electoral pact formula is not yet finalised. There are still a few matters to iron out,” he told reporters at the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Annual General Meeting in Kota Kinabalu.
The announcement formalises a working relationship that began in January 2023, when Sabah BN, led by Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, attempted to topple Hajiji’s government. The move failed and PH’s support kept Hajiji in office.
Sabah PH deputy chairman Mustapha Sakmud welcomed the alliance, describing it as positive news for the state.
He also said that PH is targeting to contest between 23 and 25 seats, although discussions are still ongoing.
BN and PH: Another pact in place; but it’s not with GRS
Adding to the confusion, BN, led at the federal level by Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, also confirmed its own alliance with PH for the same election.
“We have already finalised our collaboration with PH, which means that both BN and PH have been locked in as partners for the Sabah state election,” Zahid said on July 30.
This dual alliance suggests that GRS and BN could go head-to-head, despite both aligning themselves separately with PH, a potential three-way collision course.
According to PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh, seat negotiations between PH and BN have been concluded, though she declined to reveal specific allocations.
“PKR will always welcome cooperation with any party for the upcoming state election,” she said.
Previously, Sabah BN said it planned to contest 40 seats, while PH is eyeing up to 25, making coordination between PH, BN and GRS even more intricate.
Sabah Umno reacts: “We’re ready to lead”
The prospect of PH joining forces with GRS has been sharply criticised by Sabah Umno, a key component of BN.
Bung called the alliance “hypocritical”, pointing out the contradiction in GRS’s claim to be a local party while partnering with “Malayan” coalitions:
“Parti tempatan kunun, tapi bergabung juga dengan Malaya – siau!” he posted on Facebook.
Meanwhile, Sabah Umno information chief Datuk Suhaimi Nasir rejected the idea that BN is merely a junior partner in any coalition:
“Sabah Barisan is a team ready to lead this state, equipped with proven experience, a solid organisational structure and real capacity,” he said.
GRS stakes its claim on track record
During his keynote speech at the Gagasan Rakyat AGM, Hajiji laid out GRS’s case for reelection, citing the coalition’s five-year record.
“We did not promise the moon and stars, but we promised to do our best for the people.
“If we fail to form the government, we will have squandered a golden opportunity. The ones who will suffer are the people and the ones who lose out will be the state of Sabah,” he said.
He described the upcoming state election as a pivotal moment and warned that losing the election would jeopardise ongoing development projects and weaken Sabah’s bargaining position with the federal government.
“It is not an ordinary election. It is a responsibility that will determine the state’s future and the fate of the next generation,” he said.
Umno and PN deploy election machinery
Meanwhile, Umno is actively preparing for the polls. Its deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan confirmed that the party’s divisions across Peninsular Malaysia have been assigned specific zones in Sabah.
“All the Kelantan Umno division heads were in Sabah because they are in charge of the Eastern Sabah area.
Terengganu Umno will also manage the Tawau, Sandakan and Kudat areas,” he said on July 28.
He stressed that Umno is ready to support election operations wherever needed.
At the same time, PN has begun consolidating Opposition forces.
On July 30, PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Azmin Ali announced that Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin would lead PN’s Sabah election committee, while also backing a plan for a broader Opposition coalition.
“The committee will identify the seats to be contested by PN, devise strategies and approaches for each constituency, and draft a manifesto for the people of Sabah,” Azmin said.
Election date still unclear; but clock is ticking
Despite speculation that the Sabah State Assembly could be dissolved by the end of July, Hajiji’s office shut down rumours on July 28, stating that he was scheduled to attend Malaysia-Indonesia consultations in Jakarta, not call for dissolution.
A viral report had claimed that elections might be held by Sept 20, but this remains unconfirmed.
The 16th Sabah State Assembly is due to expire automatically on Nov 11, meaning elections must be held within 60 days after dissolution, likely by January 2026 if delayed.
The big picture: A fragmented field with high stakes
With overlapping alliances and internal rivalries, Sabah’s upcoming election will be a multi-cornered fight unlike any before:
- GRS is banking on its incumbent advantage and PH's support.
- BN is fighting back to reclaim leadership, partnering with PH at odds with GRS.
- PH is in a strategic dance with both GRS and BN, trying to avoid alienating either.
- PN is forming an opposition bloc to challenge the ruling alliance outright.
The 17th Sabah State Election is shaping up to be a complex and crowded contest, where seat negotiations, overlapping alliances and voter trust will all play decisive roles.
No official election date has been set yet, but with the assembly due to expire by Nov 11, Sabahans will soon decide whether continuity, change, or chaos lies ahead.
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