KOTA KINABALU: The allocation of seats among the eight Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) component parties should be decided very soon as the state election draws closer.
It will be the outcome of serious discussions, lobbying and negotiations conducted in the spirit of give-and-take among “family members”.
“I believe no party will get the short end of the stick. Any voice of disapproval or discontent after that should not be allowed or entertained because it could potentially create animosity at a time when solidarity must be a top priority,” says former Moyog Assemblyman Datuk Seri Panglima Clarence Bongkos Malakun.
The focus, he adds, will then be on winning the hearts and minds of the people so that Sabah will remain in safe hands under the direction of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor and his team for another five years.
Clarence who is also a member of the Sabah Economic Advisory Council (SEAC) also points out that a resounding success for GRS at the election is crucial for effective governance.
Hence, only winnable candidates should be fielded.
And, Clarence adds that GRS should seriously consider fielding young and capable candidates – not the “whippersnappers” – to prepare them for future leadership roles.
“This election is an acid test but I believe GRS will regain power, given its good track record since 2020.
“And, the current stability in Sabah under the GRS-led state government has won voter approval,” he says matter-of-factly.
As for Barisan Nasional (BN) which ruled Sabah from 1994 till 2018 and Warisan from 2018 till 2020, it is going to be very difficult for them to regain the people’s trust and support.
The once mighty BN’s preponderant influence is diminishing and it has a mountain to climb to regain political dominance in Sabah.
And, with only 13 seats in the State Legislative Assembly, it is facing serious challenge to reassert itself as a force to be reckoned with again.
Sabah voters are increasingly drawn to local-based parties and coalitions such as the GRS which is a coalition of eight local parties.
Meanwhile, Clarence says the opposition will pounce on every opportunity to discredit the GRS and distort facts to drive their opinions to garner support from the ground.
“They will harp on legacy issues – water and electricity shortages – but I wish to tell them not to “play possum” because they are in the know that concerted efforts have been made to ensure long-term water and electricity availability.
“Let’s not forget that Warisan was in power once but did little to resolve the very same problems.
“And, I am certain Sabah voters have already made up their minds who should be at the helm of the government for the next five years,” he says.
Currently, the GRS coalition holds the majority of seats in the State Legislative Assembly with 42 while Warisan and Umno has 14 and 13 seats, respectively.
All in all there are 79 Assembly members – 73 were elected and the remaining six nominated by the government.
Strong mandate for GRS crucial
