By : Mike Paul
Kota Kinabalu, Nov 29 — Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is leading the unofficial results of the 17th Sabah State Election with 29 seats, putting the coalition ahead in the race to form the next state government.
According to the Election Commission’s tally at 10.05 pm, Parti Warisan secured 18 seats, Barisan Nasional (BN) won nine, while Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) each captured two. United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) and Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM) won one seat apiece, while Independent candidates recorded victories in five constituencies.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor successfully defended the Sulaman seat. Parti Warisan President Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal retained Senallang, while UPKO President Datuk Ewon Benedick held Kadamaian.
Two political veterans, Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS) President Tan Sri Anifah Aman and former Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, lost in Bongawan and Pintasan respectively. In a surprising outcome, the Democratic Action Party (DAP) failed to secure any of the eight seats it contested.
With 73 seats in the Sabah State Legislative Assembly, a simple majority of 37 is required to form the government. The current tally places GRS in a strong position but short of an outright majority, signalling potential negotiations and alliances in the days ahead.
- TNS News