KOTA KINABALU, November 29 — Sabah is on the cusp of forming a new government as Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) move toward a governing pact, following a dramatic night of vote counting in the 17th Sabah state election. As of 10.40pm, unofficial results show GRS securing 29 seats, Warisan 18, Barisan Nasional (BN) 9, while PH, independents, Upko, STAR, PN, and KDM split the remainder.
With 37 seats needed for a simple majority, PH secretary-general Datuk Fuziah Salleh confirmed that discussions between PKR’s Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor are already underway — signalling that both coalitions have sufficient numbers to form the next Sabah administration. FMT reports that Hajiji is expected to be sworn in as Chief Minister later tonight.
Tonight’s results saw intense competition across multiple seats, with several high-profile upsets. Independent candidates pulled off significant victories in Bandau, Pintasan, and Kukusan, while Warisan made gains in strongholds such as Merotai, Sebatik, and Api-Api. GRS, meanwhile, secured key wins in seats including Nabawan, Matunggong, Kiulu, Tanjung Kapur, and Pantai Manis.
PH captured Melalap and Sindumin, marking its first wins of the night, while BN retained seats like Sukau and Sook. With 596 candidates contesting all 73 state seats in one of Sabah’s most crowded elections, political negotiations accelerated quickly as the emerging numbers made clear that coalition-building would be essential to govern.
As counting nears completion, leaders from GRS and PH continue final discussions to cement a partnership that would allow Hajiji Noor to return as Chief Minister. If finalised, the collaboration will end hours of uncertainty and pave the way for a joint administration combining GRS’s dominant seat tally with PH’s crucial support.
The official announcement and swearing-in are expected later tonight, marking the conclusion of a closely watched and fiercely contested state election.
