The 2025 Sabah state election was one of Malaysia’s most closely watched political events, drawing attention not only from voters in Sabah but also from observers across the country. The election brought several major political parties and local groups into competition as voters decided who would represent them in the Sabah State Legislative Assembly. While the results focused on Sabah’s future, they also raised broader questions about Malaysia’s federal government and the strength of national political parties in the state.
A Challenging Result for Anwar’s Coalition
The election produced a difficult outcome for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s federal coalition, particularly Pakatan Harapan. With PH winning only a small number of the seats it contested, the result highlighted the challenges national parties can face when competing in Sabah. This led to wider discussions about whether or not the Malaysian PM suffers setback, which could be an appropriate description of the political impact, especially in relation to PH’s performance. At the same time, the election was a state contest and should not be viewed as a direct national vote on the federal government.
GRS Remains a Major Political Force
Gabungan Rakyat Sabah emerged as the largest political force following the election, winning 29 seats. Although this was fewer than the coalition secured in the previous state election, GRS remained central to the formation of the state government. Its performance demonstrated the continued importance of Sabah-based political organisations, particularly when voters are deciding which parties they believe can best represent local interests.
Warisan Makes a Strong Showing
Warisan also performed strongly, securing 25 seats and remaining one of the most important parties in the Sabah political landscape. The result reinforced the party’s position as a significant local political force. Its performance also demonstrated that Sabah politics cannot easily be understood through the same political divisions that dominate federal politics in Peninsular Malaysia.
PH Faces Questions About Its Sabah Strategy
For Pakatan Harapan, the election result raised questions about its ability to connect with Sabah voters. The coalition’s limited success across the constituencies it contested suggests that national political influence does not automatically translate into strong support at the state level. Going forward, PH and its component parties may need to pay closer attention to local concerns, political networks and the issues that matter most to Sabah communities.
Sabah-First Politics Takes Center Stage
One of the most noticeable features of the election was the continued importance of Sabah-focused politics. Questions surrounding Sabah’s autonomy, development, revenue rights and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 remained important parts of the political conversation. Many voters and political groups have continued to emphasise the idea that decisions affecting Sabah should take greater account of the state’s own priorities.
The Election Definitely Matters Beyond Sabah
Although the election was held at the state level, its effects extend beyond Sabah. The performance of national parties provides an indication of the difficulties they may face when trying to expand their influence in East Malaysia. At the same time, the continued strength of Sabah-based parties highlights the importance of regional political identities within Malaysia. For Anwar Ibrahim’s government, the result provides another reason to maintain close attention to Sabah. The state has long played an important role in Malaysia’s political calculations, and its demands for greater recognition of local interests remain a significant part of the national conversation.
The 2025 Sabah state election produced a complex political picture. GRS remained the largest force, Warisan strengthened its position, while PH faced a challenging result. Beyond the numbers, the election highlighted the continuing importance of Sabah-first politics and the need for constructive relations between the state and federal governments. Its political impact will likely continue to be discussed as Malaysia’s wider political landscape develops.