KOTA KINABALU, Nov. 30 -- Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor emerged as the biggest winner of the 17th Sabah state election, riding on a strong wave of support for state-based parties while peninsula coalitions suffered a stinging setback across the state.

Results show GRS winning more than 29 seats, but partners PH fell below the mark losing all but one of the 20 seats they contested in.

They will form the government with the three assemblymen from United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko), which recently left Pakatan Harapan (PH) citing dissatisfaction with the national coalition, and five independent victors.

Local parties win, peninsula-based parties crumble

The night's clearest trend was a decisive ...