SABAH ELECTS 21 NEW FACES IN VOTE FOR FRESH LEADERSHIP

By Suraidah Roslan

KOTA KINABALU, Nov 30 (Bernama) -- Voters in the 17th Sabah State Election have demonstrated a desire for change by electing 21 new faces, reflecting a dynamic political landscape demanding fresh approaches to current challenges.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (Research, Innovation, and Commercialisation) deputy dean, Associate Prof Dr Syahruddin Awang Ahmad, said these victories send a clear signal that Sabahans want a shift in the state's leadership.

Syahruddin Awang, who is also a researcher with Sabah Geopolitical and Electoral Research (GeoPes), said that this development is critical, as it shows 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.

“This signifies that Sabah is stepping into a new political chapter, one shaped by the context of current issues, whether they are grassroots demands or emerging national sentiments,” he said.

According to the official results of the state polls, Parti Warisan recorded the highest number of successful new candidates with 11, followed by Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) with 5, and Barisan Nasional (BN) with 2.

One new face each was elected from Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) and Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM), as well as an Independent candidate.

Warisan's new faces are Edna Jessica Majimbum (Inanam), Tham Yun Fook (Likas), Loi Kok Liang (Api-Api), Samuel Wong Tshun Chuen (Luyang), Chin Tek Ming (Kapayan), Yusri Pungut (Sindumin), Nurulalsah Hassan Alban (Sungai Sibuga), Wong Tshun Khee (Karamunting), Thien Ching Qiang (Tanjong Papat), Muhammad Abdul Karim (Segama) and Mahahing Tinggalani@Tanggilani (Sebatik).

Notably, Tham captured the Likas seat from Sabah DAP chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, who had moved from his incumbent Luyang seat to contest there.

Meanwhile, the new faces from GRS are Datuk Pengiran Saifuddin Pengiran Tahir (Pantai Manis), Hazem Mubarak Musa (Sungai Manila), Shah Alfie Yahya (Tanjung Keramat), Syed Ahmad Syed Abas (Balung) and Andi Shamsureezal Mohd Sainal (Tanjung Batu).

Hazem Mubarak, who is the son of the Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman, wrested the Sungai Manila seat from its incumbent, Mokran Ingkat of BN.

The two new candidates from BN are Datuk Nik Mohd Nadzri Nik Zawawi (Liawan) and Datuk Seri Dr Anil Sandhu (Kunak).

The new face from STAR is Datuk Mohd Ishak Ayub (Binkor), and the successful Independent candidate is Jordan Jude Ellron (Tulid).

Jordan is the son of former STAR deputy president, Datuk Ellron Angin, who is also a former Minister of Youth and Sports.

-- BERNAMA