Malaysia DAP concedes defeat after being wiped out in Sabah’s 17th state polls

SABAH, MALAYSIA: Democratic Action Party has suffered its worst electoral setback in Sabah, failing to retain any of the eight seats it contested in the 17th state election.

According to party secretary-general Anthony Loke on 29 November 2025, the defeat marked the end of DAP’s representation in the Sabah State Assembly.

Loke said the party accepted the voters’ decision and acknowledged widespread dissatisfaction. He stated that he took full responsibility for the outcome.

Gabungan Rakyat Sabah emerged as the leading bloc with more than 29 seats.

The result reaffirmed Hajiji Noor’s leadership and consolidated GRS’s influence in the state.

DAP lost in all constituencies it contested. This included Tanjung Aru, where Sabah DAP deputy chairman Datuk Chan Foong Hin was unseated by Warisan.

The party also lost in Sri Tanjong, Kapayan, Elopura, Likas, Luyang and Tanjung Papat.

These constituencies had been previously considered reliable bases for the party.

Loke congratulated the candidates and parties that secured mandates in the election.

He said the leadership would study the results and address weaknesses ahead of the next voting cycle.

Despite the losses, DAP retains two parliamentary representatives in Sabah.

Loke said both MPs would intensify efforts in Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan.

The 2025 election featured 596 candidates competing for 73 seats, making it one of Sabah’s most competitive races.

In the 2020 election, DAP had won six seats under the Warisan banner.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on 1 December 2025 that the Federal Government respected the clear message delivered by Sabah voters.

He said voters sought meaningful change following years of perceived neglect by political actors at both state and federal levels.

Anwar also said that although some Cabinet vacancies must be filled, any upcoming reshuffle would not be extensive. He noted that the current Cabinet still holds about a year and a half of its mandate.

Commentary from analysts and the public highlighted deeper factors behind DAP’s defeat.

Vocal rights advocate Siti Kasim wrote that the outcome served as a warning, arguing that voters expected principled leadership and consistency.

She said that parties should not compromise their core positions simply to project coalition unity. She argued that voters sought leaders who would speak up for public interests.

James Chin, a professor of Asian Studies at the University of Tasmania, commented that Sabah’s political environment differed significantly from Peninsular Malaysia.

He said strong state nationalism and unique local dynamics shaped voter behaviour.

Chin suggested that internal strategic issues and leadership challenges also affected the party’s performance. He argued that the party needed to reassess internal decision-making processes.

The result marks a significant shift in Sabah’s political landscape and raises questions about future alliances and the direction of national coalition politics. DAP’s leadership has indicated that it will review its strategy as it works to rebuild support.