Warisan’s Dream of All-Sabahan Alliance Unlikely to Materialize
PETALING JAYA: Warisan’s dream of forming an all-Sabahan electoral alliance with other local parties for the next state polls is unlikely to materialize, according to two political analysts.
The Unlikely Alliance
On paper, Warisan could form a formidable alliance with Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), both currently part of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition, as well as Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM). However, the analysts do not expect any of these parties to break away from GRS after Warisan president Shafie Apdal ruled out the possibility of working with Hajiji Noor’s Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah.
Reasons for the Unlikely Alliance
Oh Ei Sun of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs expects STAR and PBS to stick with GRS for the state election, given the coalition already leads the present state government and provides access to greater resources and machinery. He also believes that other "mosquito parties" have nothing to offer Warisan.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Parties
Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s Lee Kuok Tiung said Warisan enjoys strong support in Sabah’s east coast, while PBS and STAR have substantial backing among the Kadazandusun, Murut, and Rungus communities in the western region and interiors. On the other hand, Peter Anthony’s KDM has shown promise in areas with significant Murut and Rungus populations. However, Lee noted that omitting Gagasan Rakyat would leave such a coalition at a disadvantage, as the party is a "significant player" in the state.
Commitment to GRS
Lee also cited PBS and STAR’s memorandum of understanding earlier this year to bolster their collaboration under GRS, which underscored their commitment to the coalition and consolidated their positions within its framework, deterring them from seeking new alliances.
Conclusion
The likelihood of an all-Sabahan alliance comprising Warisan, PBS, STAR, and KDM in the upcoming state election appears low. Warisan will need to reconsider its options and find alternative alliances that align with its goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Warisan rule out an alliance with parties that had previously poached its assemblymen?
A: Warisan president Shafie Apdal ruled out the possibility of working with parties that had previously poached its assemblymen, including Hajiji’s Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah.
Q: What are the strengths and weaknesses of the parties involved?
A: Warisan enjoys strong support in Sabah’s east coast, while PBS and STAR have substantial backing among the Kadazandusun, Murut, and Rungus communities in the western region and interiors. KDM has shown promise in areas with significant Murut and Rungus populations.
Q: Will PBS and STAR break away from GRS to form an alliance with Warisan?
A: No, the analysts do not expect PBS and STAR to break away from GRS after Warisan president Shafie Apdal ruled out the possibility of working with Hajiji’s Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah.