TAWAU – The decision of the Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) and the Parti Progresif Sabah (SAPP) to leave the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is heating up the political scene in the state ahead of the 17th Sabah State Election (PRN).
Although seen as a blow to GRS, political observer Mohd. Zaki Harry Susanto believes that the departure of these two parties actually benefits the coalition.
“With STAR and SAPP leaving, GRS can operate more easily under a single symbol. It is straightforward, easy for voters to understand, and presents a more united image,” Zaki said in a statement today.
Zaki further noted that this move also reduces the risk of seat disputes among GRS components.
Previously, STAR and SAPP had vocally rejected the seat allocation quota of GRS-PH, which was said to offer up to 23 state assembly seats to the Pakatan Harapan (PH).
“However, both parties are expected to still compete in the 17th Sabah State Election. STAR has expressed its intention to contest 15 state assembly seats, including those in predominantly Chinese areas, while SAPP aims to field candidates in seats also contested by PH.
“This risks splitting the votes, especially in Kadazan-Dusun-Murut (KDM) areas. If the votes are split into three ways, the opposition will surely smile,” Zaki added.
So far, STAR and SAPP have not revealed the full list of state assembly seats they will contest, but the hints given clearly show they are not afraid to face their former coalition partners.
For GRS, the exit of these two parties can be seen as an ‘internal cleansing’ that allows the coalition to be more focused, organized, and stable.
Now, the main question leading up to PRN-17 is whether the absence of STAR and SAPP will lead to GRS’s failure or open up opportunities for opponents.
