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FORMER Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak has successfully defended the Usukan state seat for a second term, according to unofficial results from the 2025 Sabah state election.
His victory adds another seat to Barisan Nasional’s (BN) tally, bringing the coalition’s early count to four.
The Usukan contest drew six candidates, including Warisan’s Wirawati chief Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis, Jefris Muadis of PIS, independent candidate Ajun Meliyon, GRS representative Datuk Japlin Akim@Abd Hamid, and STARSABAH’s Mohd Lin Harun.
Salleh, who also serves as UMNO Sabah treasurer, first captured the seat in 2020 with a 4,298-vote majority.
Meanwhile in Sulaman, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) president Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor retained the constituency that has long served as his political bastion.
The win strengthens both his personal standing and the coalition’s momentum, which has secured nine seats in the unofficial count so far.
GRS recorded victories in eight other constituencies—Banggi, Membakut, Pitasan, Kemabong, Apas, Kuamut, and Sungai Manila—reflecting a broad wave of support across multiple districts.
Sulaman saw a five-cornered contest, with Hajiji challenged by BN’s young newcomer Dr. Shahnon Rizal Thaijuddin, Warisan’s Mokhtar Hussin, PN’s Tiaminah @ Siti Aminah Ele, and PIS candidate Pajudin Nordin.
Hajiji has held the Sulaman seat since 1990 and won the previous state election with a 3,099-vote majority in a three-cornered race.
Polling across Sabah began at 7.30 am with 882 voting centres and 3,558 voting streams operating statewide, closing in stages between noon and 5.30 pm. – November 29, 2025
