Sabah decides: Voters head to polls in pivotal state election

KOTA KINABALU (Nov 29): Sabah voters head to the polls today in a crucial state election that could shape the state’s course for the next five years.

A total of 73 state seats are up for grabs, contested by over 590 candidates, including a record number of independents.

Multiple local and national parties and coalitions are in the fray, including Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), Warisan, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku Sabah (STARSabah), Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko), Barisan Nasional (BN), Pakatan Harapan (PH), and Perikatan Nasional (PN).

Analysts and media observers note that no single party is likely to secure a clear majority, making post-election coalitions almost inevitable.

Recent polling indicates that Sabahans are increasingly favouring local parties and candidates over Peninsular-based parties, signalling a shift in political identity.

Local issues — including infrastructure, state rights, the Malaysia Agreement (MA63), the 40 per cent revenue issue, and autonomy — have dominated the campaign discourse, reflecting voters’ desire to assert greater control over state governance.

Analysts describe this election as a pivotal crossroad for Sabah, with the outcome expected to influence governance, development priorities, and the balance of political power across the state.

Polling centres will open at 7.30am and close at 5pm, though some remote or island centres may shut earlier, around 12.50pm, due to logistical constraints.

Voters have been urged to arrive early, bring their identity cards for verification, and dress in attire free from political logos.

The Election Commission (EC) has mobilised district disaster assets, including boats, four-wheel drives, and helicopters for 85 locations, to ensure ballot papers reach counting centres safely.

EC chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun expressed hope for a voter turnout exceeding 60 per cent, noting that weather conditions may deter some voters, though early voting on November 25 recorded over 92 per cent turnout among security personnel and their spouses.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department forecasts rain throughout the day, with heavier showers in some districts. Voters are advised to carry umbrellas or raincoats to avoid delays.

Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd has deployed 25 mobile generators across official counting centres to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply, working in tandem with the Public Works Department to secure internal wiring.

Some 500 SE personnel will be on duty in shifts throughout polling and counting.

The 14-day campaign concluded late last night after an intense period of rallies, house visits, and community outreach across Sabah.

Analysts observe that voters have largely focused on local issues such as public services, cost of living, and state autonomy, rather than national political debates.

The EC aims to announce early results around 10pm, with counting expected to conclude by midnight.

With multiple coalitions and independent candidates contesting, results are likely to be fragmented, making coalition-building crucial in the post-election period.