Talks still underway on formation of new Sabah government

TALKS to form a new Sabah State Government following the 17th State Election (PRN) are underway in several locations tonight.

As of 11pm, the Election Commission has announced the official results for the 22 State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seats, but it is understood that the parties are actively holding negotiations at the Sabah Chief Minister's official residence in Sri Gaya and several other locations.

According to unofficial results, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is leading with 29 seats while its nearest challenger, Parti Warisan (Warisan) has secured 23 seats, followed by Barisan Nasional (BN) (8), UPKO (3) and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) (2). Meanwhile, Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM), Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) have secured one seat each while Independents have won five seats.

Following the results, the winning UPKO, STAR, KDM and five Independent candidates are said to be the deciding factor in the formation of the new state government.

Sabah has 73 state assembly seats and to form a state government, a simple majority of 37 seats is required.

According to party sources, the swearing-in ceremony for the new Chief Minister is expected to be held early tomorrow morning at Istana Seri Kinabalu in the presence of the Yang Dipertua Negeri Sabah, Tan Sri Musa Aman, if negotiations between them can be concluded by tonight.

Warisan President Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal arrived at the Avangio Hotel and among those present was Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal.

Meanwhile, two vehicles believed to be carrying UPKO Honorary President Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau and UPKO President Datuk Ewon Benedick were seen entering the route that houses the Chief Minister's official residence and Istana Seri Kinabalu.

Meanwhile, BN Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that as a party that always prioritises political stability and the well-being of the people, BN is ready to work with like-minded parties to form a new state government for the sake of Sabah's political stability.

"Sabah's journey forward requires the commitment of all parties, and BN will continue to play a constructive role to ensure that the state continues to move towards progress and prosperity," he said. – November 30, 2025