The results of Sabah’s state elections yesterday (Nov 29) returned Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) to power. GRS, which fielded the largest number of candidates implicated in alleged corruption videos, led the pack by winning 29 seats, but short of eight of the 37 needed for a simple majority to form the state government.

Ten candidates implicated in videos depicting alleged corruption revealed by businessman Albert Tei, stood for election. All but one were from GRS. Eight, including Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) president, Jeffrey Kitingan, won their seats. Those from GRS who won included GRS chairman Hajiji Noor.

Apparently, the video scandals had minimal electoral impact, with voters being more concerned over bread and butter issues.

So, Sabah will get a GRS-led government for a second term. So far, Hajiji has the official support of Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) sole candidate, Star’s two seats and Upko’s three seats giving it 35 seats, still short of two for a simple majority to form the state government.

There were reports that Hajiji has the support of five independents, but there were no public announcements. Perhaps that gave him his needed majority as he was sworn in as the chief minister in the early hours of the morning.

Following Hajiji’s swearing-in, there has been, as of now (10pm, Malaysian time), no official announcement of his majority government. A late report stated that Barisan Nasional with six seats, too, might be backing him. But, nothing official has been stated.

According to some analysts, new trends in this election indicate a strong youth influence, a Chinese swing which abandoned the DAP, which won no seats, and supported Warisan, and rejection of all Peninsula-based parties. These factors, they say, would make it very challenging for GRS to deliver according to expectations.

Well, Sabahans have spoken, and if GRS doesn’t deliver, they have a chance to correct their choice in the next state elections.