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SABAH’S political landscape has entered a tense phase as parties finalise their line-ups for the 17th State Election. Following announcements from Barisan Nasional (BN), PKR, DAP, and Parti Maju Sabah (SAPP), attention now shifts to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), which is expected to unveil its candidates tomorrow.
The announcement is set to do more than complete the electoral roster; it could be a decisive moment, particularly in determining whether major clashes occur between parties that paradoxically share the federal government.
BN has already revealed 41 candidates under its dacing logo, signalling a move to consolidate its identity after several politically compromise-heavy seasons.
PKR has presented 10 candidates in a more cautious strategy. The removal of three-term incumbent Christina Liew in Api-Api signals a major reshuffle, while the inclusion of newcomers such as Thonny Chee and Yamani Hafez Musa reflects an effort to appeal to younger voters.
DAP Sabah, with seven candidates, is focusing on continuity in urban areas like Likas, Kapayan, and Elopura, and has introduced three female candidates as fresh faces for the party.
Meanwhile, SAPP has fielded six candidates, half of them newcomers, concentrating on its traditional strongholds.
All attention now centres on GRS. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has hinted that only “winnable candidates” will be featured this time. The GRS list, expected Wednesday, will reveal whether seat allocations avoid overlaps or spark intra-coalition contests.
BN is also expected to add further colour to the race, with Sabah BN chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin confirming that six or seven additional “special” seats will be announced before nominations close on Saturday.
This suggests that BN is still gauging the political manoeuvres of coalition partners, particularly in relation to GRS’s selections.
Whatever the outcome, Wednesday is poised to be a defining day ahead of nominations, highlighting Sabah’s delicate balancing act between cooperation and competition in state politics. - November 11, 2025