SABAH: Set to play big role

Several states are set to see close fights or play key roles in the election. The Straits Times’ correspondents and observers on the ground give their take on how these battles might shape up.

A sharp setback in Sabah, or worse still, an outright loss for Umno and BN, could push Malaysia into a political no-man's land. PHOTO: REUTERS

Leslie Lopez Regional Correspondent In Kota Kinabalu

Updated

Published

Apr 28, 2018, 05:00 AM

Malaysia's eastern-most state is set to assume an oversized role at the polls, and the outcome here could determine whether the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition retains its once-unassailable grip on power.

Long-considered a political fixed deposit for BN and Umno, Sabah is shaping up to be the most serious unknown in the May 9 election. BN - which dominated Sabah with 21 of the 25 parliamentary seats and another 48 seats in the 60-member state assembly - is facing its most serious challenge.

Already a subscriber? Log in

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

ST One Digital

$9.90 $9.90/month

No contract

ST app access on 1 mobile device

Subscribe now

Unlock these benefits

All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com
Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device
E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.