As the dust settles following nominations day on November 11, 2025, the stage is set for what promises to be a fiercely contested Sabah state election. With 73 seats up for grabs and a multitude of political parties and coalitions entering the fray, this election could be the most pivotal in Sabah’s recent history. It’s not just about local governance—this election could determine the very direction of the state’s future, shaping its political identity, economic policies, and relationship with the federal government for years to come.
While elections across Malaysia often hinge on national narratives, Sabah’s unique political landscape demands a more nuanced look at what’s truly at stake. This is a state with a complex tapestry of ethnic groups, economic challenges, and cultural identities, all of which make its elections far more than a mere political contest. They’re a battle over how Sabah will define itself in an increasingly polarized Malaysian political scene.
The Battle for Autonomy
At the heart of the election is the issue of Sabah’s autonomy. For years, the people of Sabah have voiced frustration over the perceived lack of political and economic power within the Malaysian Federation. Issues like resource distribution, self-determination, and state rights are woven into the fabric of the campaign trail. Sabahans want a government that will stand up to Kuala Lumpur, pushing for the promises made under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 to be fulfilled. Whether or not these promises are honored has become one of the defining questions of this election.
The state’s largest opposition party, Warisan, led by former Chief Minister Shafie Apdal, is running on a platform of reclaiming greater autonomy for Sabah. Apdal’s bid for a comeback is an attempt to regain control of the state after losing power in 2020—a loss that was followed by the tumultuous political instability at both the state and federal levels. Warisan’s message is clear: Sabah deserves a government that fights for local control and challenges the political dominance of Kuala Lumpur.
On the other hand, the Unity Government, led by Pakatan Harapan (PH) and its allies, is positioning itself as the defender of national unity, promising that cooperation with the federal government can bring economic development and progress to the state. The rhetoric from the ruling coalition emphasizes stability, federal support, and the promise of inclusive growth, but to many Sabahans, this narrative rings hollow. They see a federal government that has often failed to deliver on its promises to the state.
This contrast is what makes the upcoming election so critical. For many voters, this isn’t just about electing representatives for local governance—it’s a question of who can most effectively advocate for Sabah’s rights and secure the resources and autonomy it deserves.
Economic Priorities: Development or Dependency?
While autonomy remains the focal point, economic development is just as crucial for Sabah’s future. The state remains one of the poorest in Malaysia, with significant disparities in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Voters are tired of promises that never materialize into tangible improvements. In the last election, promises of greater economic empowerment fell flat, and with the state’s resources under constant scrutiny—whether in oil and gas, agriculture, or tourism—many are questioning how different this election will be.
Both sides are promising new policies to lift Sabah out of poverty. Warisan advocates for policies that emphasize local industries, including sustainable agriculture and ecotourism, while the Unity Government argues for leveraging Sabah’s natural resources in partnership with the federal government for larger-scale projects. However, both approaches are complicated by the realities of state politics—economic promises often fail when local leaders don’t have full control over resource management or when state-federal relations are fraught with tension.
It’s clear that the next state government must prioritize long-term, sustainable development while balancing the need for environmental conservation. Voters have already made it known that they will not tolerate policies that strip the state of its natural wealth in exchange for short-term financial gains. This issue will continue to dominate debates, especially in constituencies that are heavily dependent on natural resources.
The Changing Electoral Landscape: New Faces and Shifting Alliances
One of the more interesting developments post-nomination is the emergence of new faces alongside the political veterans. Shafie Apdal, a seasoned politician, is not the only one seeking a comeback. Fresh faces, particularly from Sabah’s indigenous communities, are running for office, injecting new energy and perspectives into a political system that has often been dominated by the same old names. This shift is reflective of the growing frustration among voters who feel disconnected from traditional political elites.
The alliances themselves are also telling. Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) may have seen their national influence wane in recent years, but in Sabah, they continue to hold sway. The convergence of BN and PN, alongside local parties like PBS (Parti Bersatu Sabah), could lead to a power-sharing arrangement that keeps traditional political structures in place. However, it’s the local Sabah-based parties like Warisan that are expected to pose the biggest threat to the established order. The question will be whether these parties can unite the many ethnic and regional groups under a single banner, or whether they will splinter, splitting the vote and opening the door for other coalitions to take the lead.
A Divisive Election with High Stakes
In the end, the Sabah state election is more than just a contest of party manifestos—it’s a referendum on the state’s future. Will Sabah continue to be a marginal player in Malaysia’s political game, or will it assert itself as a fully autonomous state that can shape its destiny? Will voters choose a government that continues to play by the rules of the federal system, or one that pushes the boundaries of Sabah’s rights and resources?
The next few weeks will be critical as parties engage in their final campaigns, and Sabahans will have to make a choice that could determine their future. In a state as politically fluid and diverse as Sabah, every vote will matter, and every campaign speech will have the potential to shift the tides.
Ultimately, this election represents a critical turning point for Sabah’s autonomy, economic future, and political identity. The stakes are high, and how Sabah chooses to govern itself could have lasting implications—not only for the state but for the entire nation.
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