Minister Sagah: Sabah election is clear signal for Peninsular-based parties to keep out of Borneo

Sagah (front) speaking to reporters after witnessing memorandum of understanding (MoU) exchange between the Sarawak government, Pertubuhan Aspirasi Guru Sarawak, and Arc Technologies Sdn Bhd on Dec 1, 2025.

By Marlynda Meraw

KUCHING, Dec 1: The recent political development and election results in Sabah clearly demonstrate that Peninsular Malaysia-based political parties are no longer needed in Borneo, says Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development (MEITD) Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.

Speaking to reporters to compare Sarawak’s political climate ahead of its own State’s election next year with the recently concluded general election in neighbouring Sabah, Sagah stressed the fundamental difference between the two states.

“We (Sarawak) are different to Sabah. We Sarawakians, are Sarawakians. Sabahans have their own methods,” he said after witnessing memorandum of understanding (MoU) exchange between the Sarawak government, Pertubuhan Aspirasi Guru Sarawak, and Arc Technologies Sdn Bhd today.

Sagah, who is also Tarat assemblyman, pointed out that the campaign messaging in Sabah, particularly the focus on “Sabah for Sabahans,” reflects a growing desire for local political autonomy.

“But what I believe that took place is because of the want of the Sabahans. We heard a lot during their campaigns that they focus on Sabah for Sabahans,” he said.

Sagah believes the outcome of the Sabah election serves as a clear message for the future political landscape in Borneo.

“We have one left, the DAP (Democratic Action Party). We see it clearly, but the people need to see it clearly too. It’s up to the ‘rakyat’ (people) to understand what’s happening,” he concluded.

The 17th Sabah Election that took place on November 29, 2025 delivered a powerful verdict against Peninsular Malaysia-based parties. The local coalition Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) won big, succeeding by riding on the wave of Sabah-centric sentiments.

In contrast, Malaysia’s old coalition, Barisan Nasional (BN) was reduced to just six seats.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Action Party (DAP), contesting under Pakatan Harapan (PH), was wiped out, losing all the seats it contested. — DayakDaily