Sabah’s 17th General Election Results Call for the Unity of Local Parties: Donald

2 November 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The results of Sabah’s 17th General Election are not merely numbers, but a historic moment that opens the door for all local parties to unite for the future of the state.

The Deputy President of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO), Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin, said the results announced by the Election Commission (SPR) clearly reflect the voice of the people of Sabah, who desire a new political direction, one free from external interference.

“Enough of outside interference. Sabah is ours, and we should determine our own future."

“We can be friends with national parties, we can discuss, and we can cooperate, but we no longer want undue influence over Sabah’s future.”

According to him, the people of Sabah have clearly rejected any unwarranted influence in determining the state’s future.

“Referring to Khairy Jamaluddin’s remarks on the Keluar Sekejap programme, he described this situation as a ‘GPS moment’ for Sabah.

“This is a golden opportunity to build strong local political power, as Sarawak has done,” he said.

Donald said that Sabah’s leaders must put aside ego, disputes, and perhaps old grudges to realise this momentum.

He added that these long-standing divisions have fractured the state’s political landscape, and if they can be set aside, Sabah too can rise as Sarawak has.

“UPKO urges all leaders of local parties to sit together, seek reconciliation, and begin honest discussions to form a truly united state cabinet that represents all the people of Sabah.

“Forming a stable and united government is an important step in preparing for the upcoming General Election, expected to be held by February 2028 at the latest.

“Sabah must present itself as a strong political bloc at the federal level by sending 25 united Members of Parliament who are brave enough to champion the rights of the state.

“Only then will we be able to claim Sabah’s rights as enshrined in the Federal Constitution, and shape the state’s future on our own terms,” he stressed.

In line with this, UPKO calls on all citizens and leaders of the state to rise together for the sake of future generations.

“Listen to the voice of the people, the voice of our hearts, the voice of our conscience as children of Sabah.

“Sabah United. Sabah First. Our home, we protect it. Save Sabah. Justice for Sabah. Sabah Strong,” he said.