KOTA KINABALU, November 29 – DAP suffered a historic defeat in the 17th Sabah state election, failing to secure a single one of the eight seats it contested, marking its first total wipeout in the state assembly since 2004.
Early and unofficial counts showed heavy losses across former strongholds in Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan, with Warisan candidates — many of them ex-DAP incumbents who defected — defeating their former party decisively in Luyang, Tanjung Aru, Elopura, Tanjong Papat, and Sri Tanjong, while GRS captured Kemabong.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke accepted full responsibility, pledging internal review and future rebuilding as the party faces an unprecedented collapse in Chinese-majority urban seats. Meanwhile, GRS appeared on course for a commanding victory, securing at least 10 seats with Warisan trailing at six and BN at three.
Caretaker Chief Minister Hajiji Noor retained Sulaman, strengthening GRS’ position, while veteran Pandikar Amin Mulia unofficially took Pintasan. In Sugut, Sabah PN chairman Ronald Kiandee was trailing GRS’ James Ratib by a margin unlikely to be overturned.
With momentum heavily favouring Hajiji’s coalition, GRS looks set to retain — if not expand — its control of the Sabah government.
