KOTA KINABALU: Aug 9, 2026 – The political dynamics in Sabah and Sarawak are fundamentally different from those in Peninsular Malaysia and should not necessarily be addressed using the same political or electoral formula, said Sabah UMNO treasurer Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Salleh Said Keruak.
“Although Malay political unity involving UMNO and PAS may have electoral appeal in Peninsular Malaysia, the political landscape in Sabah and Sarawak is shaped by different considerations, including state interests, autonomy, development and regional identity,” he said in a social media post.
He said the 2025 Sabah state election clearly demonstrated the uniqueness of the state’s political landscape when Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) won 29 of the 73 seats, while Warisan secured 25 seats.
“Overall, these two Sabah-based parties control 54 seats, or nearly three-quarters of the entire Sabah State Legislative Assembly.”
Salleh said Barisan Nasional won six seats, while Perikatan Nasional obtained one seat. Pakatan Harapan suffered a significant decline, managing only one victory out of the 20 seats it contested.
According to him, the election results reflect the growing influence of state-based factors among Sabah voters.
“The message is clear: Sabah voters are increasingly influenced by state interests, autonomy, development and Sabah’s rights.”
He also cited Sarawak as a clearer example of how region-based political dynamics can influence election outcomes.
“GPS has strengthened its position through a political platform centred on Sarawak’s interests, while UMNO has never established a foothold in the state.”
Salleh cautioned that any political understanding between UMNO and PAS that might work in Peninsular Malaysia should not be automatically applied to Sabah.
“Such an approach could backfire if seen as a form of Malaya-centric political arrangement.”
Instead, he said Sabah UMNO should be seen as a national party that understands the unique political realities of Sabah and is able to work closely with local political parties, particularly GRS.
“The formula must be simple: political stability, development, Sabah’s rights and the interests of Sabahans.”
“In the same country, there does not necessarily have to be a single political or electoral formula,” he said.
