KOTA KINABALU: The 17th Sabah state election unfolded with a series of dramatic upsets and last-minute reversals, as official results trickled in past midnight, pushing Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) into an early lead.
As GRS continued to widen its advantage, while Warisan mounted surprise comebacks in several seats, overturning earlier reports and flipping contests long considered stable.
The night’s biggest shocks came in Bongawan and Usukan, where results reversed earlier projections.
Warisan’s Dr Daud Yusof clinched a surprise victory in Bongawan, after earlier reports had suggested a win for Barisan Nasional’s (BN) Datuk Mohamad Alamin.
Mohamad, popularly known as Tok Mo, polled 4,569 votes, while Anifah of GRS garnered 4,604 votes. Both candidates lost to the incumbent, Daud, who retained the seat with 5,542 votes.
Meanwhile, Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis pulled off a dramatic upset in Usukan winning Warisan the seat, overturning earlier reports that BN‘s Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak had taken it.
One of the four state seats in the Kota Belud parliamentary seat, the contest also saw Datuk Japlin Akim (GRS), Mohd Lin Harun (STAR), Jefris Muadis (PIS) and Ajun Meliyon (Independent).
Warisan also made late-night gains in Sebatik and Merotai, strengthening its presence along the east coast.
In addition, Warisan showcased strong performances in urban constituencies, reclaiming several seats previously held by Pakatan Harapan parties.
In Tanjung Aru, Datuk Junz Wong delivered a decisive win, while Samuel Wong Tshun Chuen captured Luyang and Loi Kok Liang secured Api-Api.
The party clinched Likas, with Tham Yun Fook taking another PH-DAP stronghold, signalling a resurgence in key urban areas.
Rina Jainal also made headlines by taking Kukusan from Warisan, highlighting the growing influence of independents in the state polls.
Elsewhere, Warisan successfully defended its seats in Segama, Tungku, Silam, Bugaya, and Senallang, led by party president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
