Archive · 30 Nov 2025
Anwar's coalition suffers setback in Sabah elections
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's political group, Pakatan Harapan, did not do well in the recent elections in the state of Sabah.
They only won one seat out of the 20 they tried for, which is fewer than before.
Another group, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, which works with Anwar's group, still won the most seats and stayed in control of Sabah.
People in Sabah want more control over their state and better things like water, electricity, and roads.
Anwar said his government respects the voters' choice and will keep helping Sabah.
A minister from Sabah recently quit Anwar's government because of a disagreement about money that the federal government was supposed to give to Sabah a long time ago.
Anwar became prime minister in 2022 after making a deal with other parties.
Anwar's Pakatan Harapan coalition won only 1 of 20 seats contested in Sabah, down from 7 previously.
Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) retained control of Sabah despite pressure over ties to Anwar's coalition.
Hajiji Noor reappointed as Sabah chief minister, with Anwar respecting the voters' choice.
Sabah voters prioritize regional-based parties, greater autonomy, and infrastructure improvements.
A Sabah minister resigned from Anwar's cabinet over a dispute regarding federal revenue sharing.
- Who
- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his Pakatan Harapan coalition.
- What
- Anwar's coalition suffered significant losses in the Sabah state elections.
- When
- The elections were held on Saturday, November 29, 2024, with results announced on Sunday, November 30, 2024.
- Where
- The elections took place in Sabah, a state in Malaysia on Borneo island.
- Why
- The setback reflects growing sentiment for greater state autonomy and dissatisfaction with federal government policies.
- Sabah Election Outcome
- Anwar's Pakatan Harapan coalition won only 1 of 20 contested seats, down from 7 previously.
- GRS Coalition
- Gabungan Rakyat Sabah retained control of Sabah despite pressure over ties to Anwar's coalition.
- Sabah Chief Minister
- Hajiji Noor reappointed as Sabah chief minister.
- Federal Revenue Agreement
- Sabah entitled to 40% of federal revenue derived from the state, per a 50-year-old agreement.
- Anwar's Appointment
- Anwar became prime minister in November 2022 after forming a coalition government.
