Sabah sees major change, GRS-BN govt possible

KOTA KINABALU: With an estimated 11 seats shuffling ownership in Sabah, the state ruling alliance Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Barisan Nasional (BN) is leading the race in the 15th general election (GE15).

There were some surprises and upsets in the shuffle which is expected to see GRS and BN take seven seats each, Pakatan Harapan take four and Warisan take three based on the unofficial count at midnight. Fledgling Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (PKDM) won the Kota Marudu MP seat, with Datuk Wetrom Bahanda unseating six-term MP and Parti Bersatu Sabah president Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili.

Amidst controversy, Perikatan Nasional’s Datuk Ronald Kiandee also retained his seat, despite going against Umno’s candidate Benedict Asmat.

Two independents — Wetrom’s brother Verdon Bahanda and Riduan Rubin – won the Kudat and Tenom seats respectively.

The Opposition’s loss of ground from 12 to seven seats was mostly due to split votes between PH and Warisan, which clashed in many seats, including Tawau, Keningau, Batu Sapi and Kalabakan, giving their opponent the advantage.

The election also saw the biggest loser being Warisan, who went from seven seats to three, losing the Penampang, Sepanggar, Kalabakan and Papar seats but gaining Lahad Datu.

PH retained Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and won Penampang and Sepanggar, both from Warisan. The count was still ongoing as of midnight as the GRS camp in Seri Gaya remained anxious but upbeat. The Tuaran and Putatan seats remained in question.