By Social activist Gundohing Salman Nurillah
KOTA KINABALU: As the date for the dissolution of the Sabah State Assembly approaches, speculation is rife regarding potential alliances among the political parties in the state.
Previously, I mentioned the confirmation from Warisan President Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal that Warisan intends to contest the upcoming PRN17 independently, which is a clear stance.
In contrast, the positions of GRS Chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and UMNO Sabah Chairman, who is also the Chairman of BN Sabah, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, appear to differ.
According to news reports, Hajiji seems more inclined to continue collaboration with PH, while UMNO/BN are open to partnerships with local parties.
The current issue at hand is whether UMNO/BN will choose to collaborate with the local parties Warisan or GRS in preparation for the upcoming state elections.
Recent developments, as explained by Bung, indicate that BN Sabah will partner with PH for the PRN17, while Hajiji’s stance on the potential collaboration with PH and other interested parties adds further uncertainty to the political landscape in Sabah.
This current scenario reflects an “anything is possible” approach, reminiscent of a song by the band Headwind in the past.
Public perception suggests that Bung’s faction and Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak are more inclined to work with local parties, while some factions appear to favour collaboration solely with GRS.
This political puzzle is intriguing as we observe how voters will decide at the ballot box, especially considering the potential outcomes if no party secures a majority after the elections, similar to the situation following the 2022 general elections, which ultimately led to the formation of a unity government.
Many political observers believe that the chances of Warisan or GRS collaborating with UMNO/BN currently stand at a 50-50 position.
Personally, I feel that even though UMNO Sabah has decided to partner with PH, the possibility remains that it may be easier for BN Sabah to collaborate with local parties, particularly Warisan, given the unfavourable treatment extended to BN during their previous tenure in the state government alongside GRS.
