Expect Last Minute Election Pacts In Complex Sabah Says Analyst

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The forming of electoral alliances in Sabah is complicated due to the state’s dynamic and complex political landscape, says UMS’s Bilcher Bala.PETALING JAYA: A political analyst expects electoral pacts for the coming Sabah state election to materialise only at the eleventh hour given the complex and dynamic nature of politics in the state.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s (UMS) Bilcher Bala said, unlike previous elections, no single party or coalition appears capable of winning an outright majority of seats in the state assembly on its own.
Bilcher Bala.Despite this, political parties in the state appear to be taking a wait-and-see approach before sealing their electoral alliances, he told FMT.
“The process of forming a pact is complicated by Sabah’s dynamic and complex political landscape, and requires precise strategy.
“Each party is being cautious as the collaboration will not only influence the results of the state election but also their long-term relationship with other parties, especially at federal level,” he said.
Both Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Barisan Nasional are courting Pakatan Harapan for an alliance in the 17th state election, which must be held in December at the latest.
GRS and PH are currently part of Hajiji Noor’s state administration, while BN sits in the opposition with Warisan. Despite this, all four coalitions are represented in the unity government at federal level.
Warisan has said it would only work with local parties at the state polls, effectively ruling out pacts with PH, BN and Perikatan Nasional. PN, however, has expressed a desire to work with local parties.
In November, leaders from Sabah BN and PH held an unofficial meeting in Kota Kinabalu which saw both coalitions agree to establish an “open channel of communications” to bolster their relationship.
However, analysts predict that PH would likely join forces with GRS, noting that various PH component parties rallied to defend Hajiji amid criticism over an alleged mining scandal in Sabah.
Romzi Ationg, also of UMS, does not discount the possibility of alliances being established or reshaped after the outcome of the state election is known.
He said there is a possibility that a fresh round of discussions will take place based on the number of seats won, which may also include winners from the state’s smaller and less-established parties.
Romzi, however, discounted the possibility of long-term alliances being established, as done previously, given multiple parties are eyeing control of the next administration. Some alliances may also be untenable due to existing frictions between them, he added.
“Ultimately, Sabahans hope their political leaders will show magnanimity so that political stability will prevail after the new government is formed,” he said. - FMT

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