THE 16th Sabah state election was always meant to be a tough battle for ruling coalition Warisan Plus, who had to face 13 parties and 56 independents, but it was still a surprise for everyone when newly-cobbled opposition Gabungan Rakyat Sabah pipped them to the finish line by taking 38 seats.

Here’s a look at the winners and losers of the elections.

Winners

Muhyiddin Yassin

Though not quite a national poll, the prime minister nevertheless took a huge risk when he used the state elections to promote the “Abah” moniker that his team has come up for him.

Although the “Abah for Sabah” posters steered clear of the Barisan Nasional constituencies, Muhyiddin’s party, Bersatu managed to win 11 out of the 19 seats they contested. Despite having six that were gifted by Umno, the new Sabah player still managed to win five more.

Bersatu’s success in Sabah will boost Muhyiddin’s confidence to go for snap polls amidst federal opposition leader’s Anwar Ibrahim’s claim that his government has fallen.

Snap elections aside, Muhyiddin has also strengthened his bargaining power when he negotiates with Umno for seats in the peninsula. He can expect to be renominated as prime minister for GE15.

Jeffrey Kitingan

Many scoffed when Jeffrey, the self proclaimed frog of Sabah, joined Perikatan Nasional (PN) and demanded for eight seats. But the seasoned politician has proven himself by winning six seats, some of them against his former party PBS.

As STAR is now in both the state and federal governments, Jeffrey can now ensure Sabah’s MA63 concerns will be addressed promptly.

After years in the opposition, Jeffrey can start the ball rolling by demanding for the 20% oil royalty that he has championed for so long.

Warisan

Despite losing the government, Warisan can hold its heads high as it won the most number of seats at 23. Playing on the unity campaign with Warisan Plus, they captured most of the urban seats.

With almost one-third control of the Sabah assembly, there is still room for Warisan to grow. It just needs to address its label of being pro-foreign migrants to convince Kadazandusun-Murut (KDM) voters, or get a better KDM partner.

Losers

Umno, Barisan Nasional

Formerly the biggest party in Sabah, Umno won the most number of seats in BN and GRS. But Umno’s 14 pales in comparison to PN although the latter only has 17.

PN is supported by former BN component party PBS, which won seven. Together, the coalition now commands 24 and has a strong argument to nominate Bersatu’s Hajiji Noor as the chief minister.

Umno won big in Sabah but ended up the biggest losers too.

Mohd Shafie Apdal

Shafie was on cloud nine just three months earlier when his name came up as the first Borneo leader to be considered as a candidate for prime minister for Malaysia.

But after yesterday’s defeat, his credibility will surely be dented.

Warisan Plus’ defeat is not merely the doing of GRS as Shafie’s 26-month government was also hampered by allegations that he favoured illegal immigrants, did not dispense Covid-19 aid fairly and failed to lift the Sabah economy.

Upko

Winning just one out of eight seats contested under its logo, the sun is setting on this KDM party.

Since losing founder Bernard Dompok to retirement, Upko has failed to raise new leaders. If PBS was said to be a party of old men, what then is Upko. PBS won seven seats.

Parti Cinta Sabah

Contesting the most number of seats, some had expected Anifah Aman’s party to win at least a few.

But by losing his own seat in Bongawan, Sabahans are telling Anifah that his love is not requited. No love lost for Parti Cinta Sabah. – September 27, 2020.