By Dr Jikat Binol Darimbang
KOTA KINABALU: The political landscape of Malaysia continues to evolve as Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) move into the final stages of their negotiations to form an electoral alliance for the upcoming Sabah State Election (PRN Sabah).
This development was confirmed by UMNO Secretary-General Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, who indicated the party’s willingness to explore potential collaborations.
UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi further emphasised that the party has never completely closed nor fully opened its doors to such alliances, signalling an approach that remains flexible and strategic.
Political Narrative: Genuine Cooperation or Political Propaganda?
This potential partnership between PH, BN, and possibly Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has raised critical questions about its true purpose. According to several political analysts in Sabah, recent statements by key political figures may not be mere cooperation discussions but could instead be part of a larger political propaganda strategy.
The timing of these developments appears to coincide with efforts to undermine the growing influence of the “Sabah for Sabahans” movement, a grassroots call demanding that Sabah’s rights and governance be prioritised by and for Sabahans.
Historically, Sabah has frequently been subjected to “divide and conquer” tactics often employed by political parties from Peninsular Malaysia to weaken local solidarity, particularly in the lead-up to elections.
These tactics have repeatedly posed challenges to the unity of Sabahans in championing a localised and autonomous political agenda.
Integrity in Question: Between Allegations and Proven Facts
Compounding the political tension is the viral circulation of allegations linking certain GRS leaders to controversial mining licence approvals in Sabah. While these issues have sparked widespread public discourse, it is critical to underscore that Malaysia upholds the rule of law. Unproven accusations should not be weaponised as political tools to discredit individuals without due legal process.
Engaging in political campaigns that rely on slander, misinformation, or unverified claims is not only ethically questionable but also undermines the integrity of the democratic process. It is the people who must be empowered to evaluate their leaders based on tangible achievements, integrity, and sincerity, rather than being influenced by orchestrated political narratives.
Conclusion
The upcoming Sabah State Election presents a pivotal opportunity for Sabahans to decide who genuinely represents their aspirations and who has consistently worked towards the betterment of the state. The proposed PH-BN-GRS alliance must be examined objectively—will it contribute to stability or will it merely perpetuate the political patterns that have historically sidelined Sabah’s autonomy?
Political maturity requires that voters focus on leadership credibility, proven service, and the commitment to champion Sabah’s interests. The “Sabah for Sabahans” movement should remain a people-driven cause—a call for greater autonomy and local empowerment, not just an election slogan.
Ultimately, let the people of Sabah determine their own future at the ballot box, free from manipulation, through informed and conscious choice.
