A History of Shifting Alliances and Leadership Changes

Sabah has a complex history characterized by political maneuvering, with the state experiencing over five changes in government, more than any other in Malaysia. The tumultuous political climate was evident during the 2018 General Elections, which resulted in a stalemate between the Warisan-Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) coalitions, each securing 29 seats, while the Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) won two seats.

Following the election, Musa Aman of the BN announced he had formed a government, prompting the state governor, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, to appoint him as chief minister. However, shortly after, six members from BN defected to Warisan, allowing Shafie Apdal to command the majority with 35 assemblymen. This led to a controversial turnover of power, with the governor ultimately declaring Musa no longer chief minister, paving the way for Shafie’s ascension.

In 2020, a subsequent state election arose from Musa's attempt to reclaim power with support from defectors in the Warisan Plus coalition. Shafie, in reaction to this coup attempt, sought to dissolve the assembly, but the ensuing election resulted in his failure to maintain leadership, ceding victory to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) with 38 seats. GRS' success was bolstered by the backing of then-Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

By 2022, political dynamics shifted again, as assembly members from Bersatu exited en masse after failing to form a federal government. In December 2022, this faction, including current Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor, aligned with a previously inactive party, further altering the political landscape. The saga continued into 2023 with the Kinabalu Move, initiated when BN withdrew support from Hajiji, leading to a failed coup by Sabah UMNO and Warisan. This political upheaval culminated with the state assembly passing an anti-hopping law aimed at mitigating future instability.