Despite GRS’ claim of unity, analyst sees election fight on the cards

PETALING JAYA: A political analyst predicts that component parties of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) will fight over Muslim Bumiputera and Kadazan Dusun Murut (KDM) seats in the next election.

This would put the coalition’s chances of victory at risk, said National Council of Professors fellow Jeniri Amir.

He said GRS leaders had often claimed there was unity in the coalition, but clashes were inevitable since partner parties appealed to the same voter bases.

“Umno and Bersatu will compete for the Muslim-Bumiputera votes, while Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) will vie for the KDM vote,” he told FMT.

Jeniri said infighting in the coalition could lead to sabotage in an election and this would work to the advantage of Warisan Plus.

“We must remember that last year’s state election was a close one. So GRS can’t afford to have any infighting, especially since it is linked to the federal government, which is facing a lot of criticism.”

Jeniri said the parties must be realistic enough to forego demands for traditional seats and to see the importance of selecting the most winnable candidates.

However, he believes former chief minister Musa Aman could play a role in turning natural enemies into allies.

“You cannot underestimate the main players like Bung or Hajiji,” he said, referring to Sabah Umno chief and deputy chief minister Bung Moktar Radin and chief minister Hajiji Noor of Bersatu.

“But it would be a mistake to sideline Musa. He commands the respect of the different warlords in the state.

“GRS should bring Musa into its fold, perhaps as an adviser, because he is a unifying factor.”

Oh Ei Sun, a fellow with the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, said GRS was likely to remain a loose coalition.

“Although Warisan Plus is likely to continue to command most of the Chinese and East Coast votes, it would be difficult for it to return to power because it is unlikely to make significant headway in rural KDM areas and in Muslim-majority constituencies outside of the East Coast,” he said.

He believes Musa still retains political influence and resources that could well launch him back into the driver’s seat of Sabah politics.

“At the very least, he could be a kingmaker in quietly supporting his favourite candidates to win in many seats.”

Awang Azman Awang Pawi of Universiti Malaya also said GRS parties were bound to clash over seats and even for the chief minister’s post.

“However, I expect that they will focus on their common enemy during elections,” he said. — Free Malaysia Today