## Overview
DAP suffered a complete defeat in the 17th Sabah state election, losing all eight state seats it contested. The result is seen as a strong signal of dissatisfaction from Sabah voters towards the party’s recent performance.
## Seats contested and results
DAP contested eight constituencies: Kemabong, Likas, Kapayan, Luyang, Tanjung Aru, Sri Tanjong, Elopura and Tanjong Papat. The party failed to retain its previously held strongholds and did not win a single seat in this election.
- Kemabong: DAP’s Noorita Sual lost to GRS veteran Datuk Rubin Balang.
- Likas: Sabah DAP chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, who switched to this seat, was defeated by Warisan newcomer Tham Yun Fook.
- Kapayan: Warisan’s Chin Tek Ming unseated two-term DAP incumbent Jannie Lasimbang.
- Luyang: New DAP candidate Chan Loong Wei lost to Warisan’s Samuel Wong.
- Tanjung Aru: Sabah DAP deputy chairman and federal deputy minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin was defeated by Warisan’s Datuk Junz Wong.
- Elopura: DAP’s Sandakan MP Vivian Wong was beaten by Warisan incumbent Calvin Chong, who secured 6,307 votes.
- Tanjong Papat: Warisan’s Alex Thien won with 2,283 votes against DAP’s 1,623.
- Sri Tanjong: Warisan’s Justin Wong obtained 9,648 votes, defeating DAP’s Philip Yap, who received 6,549.
## Statements from party leadership
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke acknowledged that the party failed to retain any of its previously held seats in Sabah and said he takes full responsibility for the setback. He noted that the leadership will study the outcome, review weaknesses and work to regain public support in future elections.
Sabah DAP chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe also conceded defeat, describing the results as a clear message of voter disappointment. He said the party accepts the verdict and will conduct an internal post-mortem while continuing its political struggle in Sabah.
## Political implications
The wipeout is a major blow for DAP, which had held six of the eight seats since 2020 but lost all of them in this election. Despite the losses at state level, Sabah DAP still retains two parliamentary representatives in Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan, who are expected to intensify their efforts in these constituencies.
DAP contested the state election under the Pakatan Harapan banner, but was overshadowed by Warisan and the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) in most of the relevant constituencies. The overall results contribute to a shifting political landscape in Sabah, with post-election negotiations among GRS, Warisan, Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional shaping the new balance of power.
## Key quotes
> “As Sabah DAP chairman, I take full responsibility for the results which reflect the people’s disappointment towards us. I hear your disappointment, and we will hold a post-mortem as soon as possible.”
> “We accept and respect the decision of voters in the eight constituencies contested by DAP.”
> “We will not give up, and we will rise again.”
## Author’s summary
The Sabah election delivered a total state-level defeat for DAP, underscoring voter discontent but also prompting pledges of reform and a renewed push to rebuild support in key constituencies.
more
The Star — 2025-11-29