<figure id="attachment_3295772" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3295772" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-3295772 size-full" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/6435ec37-azalina-othman-said-bernama-pic-030326.webp" alt="" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3295772" class="wp-caption-text">Law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said said the government is committed to preserving the spirit of federalism and harmony within the framework of the Malaysian federation. (Bernama pic)</figcaption></figure>
KUALA LUMPUR: A “significant” policy change is required to allow only local parties to take part in state elections in East Malaysia, law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said said.
Such a policy, she said, would have implications including in terms of freedom of association, which is guaranteed under the Federal Constitution.
&#8220;The government always respects the aspirations of Sabahans and Sarawakians, as well as being committed to preserving the spirit of federalism and harmony within the framework of the Malaysian federation.
&#8220;Any further consideration needs to be done prudently, inclusively and in line with these principles,&#8221; said Azalina in a written parliamentary reply.
She was responding to Jeffrey Kitingan (GRS-Keningau), who asked whether the government would consider allowing only local parties to contest in both the Sabah and Sarawak elections, following the outcome of the Sabah polls last year.
Gabungan Rakyat Sabah retained power in the state after winning 29 seats, eight short of a simple majority, while Warisan snagged 25.
Pakatan Harapan only won one seat through PKR and lost two traditional seats. DAP lost all eight seats it contested, while Amanah’s sole candidate was also defeated.
PH secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail later revealed that a detailed analysis of the election results had highlighted the strong preference for local parties.
In April last year, former chief minister Salleh Said Keruak said Sabah could not afford to follow Sarawak in shutting out national parties, adding that stability was built through cooperation between Barisan Nasional, PH, and local parties.

MatchPoint Times

Significant policy change needed for local-party rule, Dewan told

Law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said says such a policy for Sabah and Sarawak will have implications, including in terms of freedom of association.

Iran steps up attacks on Mideast economy in response to US-Israeli strikes

DAP man files report against Zamri over temple demolition threat