Sabah’s state election sees 21 new faces elected, signalling a voter desire for change and a shift away from party loyalty as the main factor
KOTA KINABALU: Voters in the 17th Sabah State Election have elected 21 new faces, reflecting a desire for fresh leadership.
Associate Prof Dr Syahruddin Awang Ahmad said these victories signal that Sabahans want a shift in the state’s leadership.
He stated that party loyalty alone is no longer the primary factor in securing grassroots support.
“The success of the new candidates is seen as a rejection of the status quo and an acceptance of a new narrative that promises transparency and progressive change,” he said.
Syahruddin added that this signifies Sabah is stepping into a new political chapter shaped by current issues.
According to official results, Parti Warisan recorded the highest number of successful new candidates with 11.
Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) followed with 5 new faces, and Barisan Nasional (BN) with 2.
One new face each was elected from Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) and Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM).
An Independent candidate was also successful.
Notably, Warisan’s Tham Yun Fook captured the Likas seat from Sabah DAP chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe.
GRS new face Hazem Mubarak Musa, son of the Yang Dipertua Negeri, wrested the Sungai Manila seat from its BN incumbent.
The two new candidates from BN are Datuk Nik Mohd Nadzri Nik Zawawi and Datuk Seri Dr Anil Sandhu.
The new face from STAR is Datuk Mohd Ishak Ayub.
The successful Independent candidate is Jordan Jude Ellron, son of former STAR deputy president Datuk Ellron Angin. – Bernama
