Sabah’s unity coalition is heading into the state election weighed down by uncertainty and internal friction, with analysts warning that Pakatan Harapan’s overreach in seat negotiations could strain its partnership with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).

Political analyst Lee Kuok Tiung of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) said Harapan's posture risks backfiring if its performance fails to match its ambitions.