KOTA KINABALU, Dec. 2 -- The outcome of Sabah's 17th state election should be seen as a defining moment for the state to chart a new political course free from outside interference, said United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) deputy president Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin.

He said the results announced by the Election Commission signal a clear desire among Sabahans for a political landscape shaped by local parties - similar to the model seen in neighbouring Sarawak.

"This is the time for Sabah to follow Sarawak's example. Enough of outside meddling. Sabah is ours, and we must be the ones determining our own future," he said in a statement.

"We can work with national parties, we can discuss and cooperate - but we cannot allow und...