Sabah regional autonomy and coalition politics

Political leaders in Sabah have focused on asserting regional autonomy and strengthening internal coalition unity. Initially, Warisan President Mohd Shafie Apdal established conditions for future alliances, stating that his party would reject cooperation with Peninsular-based parties involving racial or religious extremism to maintain community harmony. Concurrently, Gagasan Rakyat Vice President Datuk Masiung Banah called for Peninsular-based parties, specifically PAS, to refrain from interfering in the political affairs of Borneo states, citing the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) as the basis for independent decision-making.

Following these assertions of autonomy, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor addressed the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition, urging component parties to prioritize state interests over individual or party egos. During the GRS Convention 2026, Hajiji emphasized that political unity is necessary to increase Sabah’s bargaining power with the Federal Government and warned that upcoming seat allocations would test the loyalty and cooperation of coalition members.