KOTA KINABALU, June 13 -- As Sabah heads into its 17th state election (PRN17), political tensions are mounting, with signs pointing toward a contest that may pit state-based parties against the country's major national coalitions.

The rallying cry "Sabah for Sabahans" is gaining renewed momentum as Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) - the ruling state coalition - weighs its next move amid shifting alliances and growing questions about federal influence in state affairs.

Sabahan-first politics

In recent years, Sabah-based parties - including GRS components Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), as well as opposition party Warisan - have increasingly positioned themselves as defenders of state rights under the Malays...