Sabah State Election: Full Line-up of Candidates Confirmed Across All Constituencies

KOTA KINABALU: The race for the upcoming Sabah state election has officially begun, with hundreds of candidates filing their papers on nomination day. Major political coalitions, including Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), Barisan Nasional (BN), Pakatan Harapan (PH), Warisan, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), STAR, and PKS, as well as several newer and independent parties, are set to battle across all 73 state seats.

Multi-cornered fights in nearly all constituencies

Most constituencies will see three- to six-cornered fights, signalling one of the most competitive state elections Sabah has faced in recent years. Key battles include:

• Panglima Mas (DUN 1): GRS’ Zainuddin Marican faces BN’s Abdul Hady and PH’s Bakar Jan.

• Lumadan (DUN 2): A three-way clash between GRS, BN, and Warisan.

• Sindumin (DUN 6): A rare straight fight between Bung Moktar Radin (BN) and Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif (GRS).

• Kuala Penyu (DUN 11): PKS candidate Alice Metalie enters a crowded six-way race.

• Putatan (DUN 15): A five-way contest involving GRS, BN, PH, Warisan, and PPRS.

• Elopura (DUN 23): A four-cornered urban contest with PH, GRS, BN, and Warisan.

• Kota Kinabalu (DUN 25): Highly watched six-way fight involving PH, GRS, SAPP, USNO, Warisan, and PPRS.

• Nabawan (DUN 51): Nine candidates, the highest number in this election, from GRS, BN, PH, Warisan, and independents.

Key coalitions present strong lineups.

GRS, the incumbent ruling coalition, has fielded candidates in nearly all seats, often facing opponents from BN, its former federal partner, and PH, which is contesting urban and semi-urban regions.

Warisan, led by former chief minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, is also contesting widely, setting up multi-cornered clashes that could split opposition votes.

Independent and minor party candidates surge

In addition to established parties, Sabah voters will also see a noticeable rise in independent candidates and those representing:

• PPRS

• PKS

• ASPIRASI / Parti Berjati Sabah (PBS)

• PAS, Pejuang, GTA, USNO, SAPP, PSM, MUDA, and several others

These smaller parties and independents appear poised to shape electoral outcomes in closely contested seats.

Notable candidates and key battlegrounds

Among the most watched figures in the race:

• Bung Moktar Radin (BN) contesting Sindumin

• Ewon Benedick (UPKO/PH) contesting Kadamaian

• Mohd Shafie Apdal (Warisan President) contesting Senallang

• Hajiji Noor (GRS Chairman) contesting Sulaman

• Masidi Manjun (GRS) competing in Karanaan

• Junz Wong (Warisan) in Tanjung Aru

• Darell Leiking (Warisan Deputy President) in Moyog

These seats are expected to be highly competitive, with strong voter turnout anticipated.

Sabah prepares for a heated election season

As all 73 seats see active contests, the coming weeks are expected to feature intense campaigning as parties attempt to win over Sabah’s diverse electorate spanning coastal towns, rural interior districts, and rapidly growing urban centers.

Election observers say the high number of candidates and multi-cornered contests could lead to unpredictable outcomes, making this one of Sabah’s most dynamic and closely watched elections in recent history.