By Lesaya L. Sorudim
KOTA KINABALU: There are moments in politics when a seemingly ordinary gathering of political leaders can trigger speculation about developments far beyond the event itself.
Such was the case when the leaders of Parti Warisan, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) and Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM) converged at the historic Keningau Batu Sumpah.
Although no formal announcement of a political alliance was made at the time, their gathering inevitably raised questions about whether Sabah might be witnessing the early stages of a new political realignment.
Today, that speculation appears to be gaining momentum.
In recent weeks, conversations on social media, political discussions and even ordinary coffee-shop talks have increasingly centred on the possibility of a Sarawak-type political coalition, tentatively referred to as Gabungan Parti Sabah (PGS).
The discussions have generated considerable interest, debate and speculation among Sabahans.
Of course, speculation is not confirmation. To date, there has been no formal announcement establishing such a coalition. Nevertheless, as the Malay proverb goes, “Di mana ada asap, di situ ada api” — where there is smoke, there is fire.
Could these political conversations be an indication that something is being quietly explored behind the scenes?
The possibility of three local parties joining forces
The possible coming together of Warisan, STAR and KDM is politically interesting because each party brings a different political constituency, geographical influence and organisational strength.
Warisan, under the leadership of Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, has established a significant political presence, particularly along Sabah’s East Coast.
Its electoral strength and parliamentary representation provide an important foundation for any proposed coalition.
STAR, led by Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, has traditionally enjoyed support in the Keningau and interior areas, particularly among sections of the Kadazandusun Murut community. Its longstanding emphasis on Sabah’s rights, autonomy and the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) has given it a distinct political identity.
KDM, founded by former Warisan leader Datuk Peter Anthony and now led by acting president Priscella Peter, has developed its own political network, particularly in Tenom and parts of Northern Sabah.
Its potential influence in areas such as Tuaran, Kota Belud and Ranau could also contribute to a wider electoral understanding.
Individually, these parties have their limitations. However, collectively, they could potentially complement one another.
This is perhaps the strongest argument for exploring a common political platform: instead of competing against one another and dividing votes among local parties, they could coordinate their political strengths to present a more united electoral front.
The STAR question: A difficult political decision
+0
One of the biggest questions concerns STAR’s position within the existing political arrangement in Sabah.
If STAR remains part of the GRS state government arrangement, how can it realistically become a partner in a new coalition that may eventually challenge the very government it is currently associated with?
This presents a political dilemma that cannot be avoided.
For a proposed Gabungan Parti Sabah to establish itself as a credible alternative, its participating parties must demonstrate a common political direction.
It would be difficult to convince voters that a coalition is serious about challenging the existing administration if one of its principal partners continues supporting that administration without a clearly defined political distinction.
Therefore, if STAR intends to participate fully in such an alliance, it may eventually have to reconsider its relationship with GRS.
This does not necessarily mean that such a decision must be made immediately.
However, political consistency and public confidence will eventually demand clarity.
It is understood that STAR is organising a solidarity gathering next month, though it remains to be seen whether an important announcement on the party’s future direction will be made.
KDM has already announced its withdrawal of support for the GRS state government. STAR’s political position, meanwhile, remains an important question for any future negotiations.
What about the Federal Government?
Another equally important question concerns the Federal Government.
If the proposed alliance intends to contest GE16 as a united Sabah political force, what happens to the existing federal political relationships of its participating parties?
KDM, for example, has stated that despite withdrawing support for the GRS state government, it remains part of the Federal Unity Government.
This raises an interesting political question: can a party genuinely participate in a Sabah-centred opposition alliance at the parliamentary level while maintaining its existing relationship with a Federal Government in which other political partners may have different electoral interests?
There is nothing inherently wrong with political cooperation at different levels, but such arrangements must be transparent and clearly understood by voters.
If Gabungan Parti Sabah is intended to become more than an electoral arrangement for the Sabah state election, and is instead designed to contest GE16, its participating parties will need to reconsider their existing political commitments.
A coalition cannot claim to champion a common Sabah agenda while leaving fundamental questions about its political direction unanswered.
The Sarawak model: A political lesson worth examining
The proposed alliance has frequently been compared with Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
Sarawak’s political experience demonstrates the importance of having a strong state-based political coalition capable of negotiating with the Federal Government from a position of collective strength.
GPS has established a distinct political identity by bringing together local political parties under a common Sarawak-centred platform.
The relevance of this model to Sabah is not necessarily that we should copy Sarawak’s political structure entirely. Sabah has its own political history, demographic composition, constitutional circumstances and political challenges.
However, the underlying principle deserves serious consideration.
Sabah needs a political arrangement that places the state’s interests at the centre of its political negotiations, regardless of which party happens to lead the Federal Government in Putrajaya.
The implementation of MA63, the 40 per cent net revenue entitlement, greater administrative autonomy, immigration safeguards, economic development, infrastructure and the management of Sabah’s natural resources should not become seasonal election promises.
These are fundamental questions concerning Sabah’s position within the Federation of Malaysia.
A united local political front could potentially strengthen Sabah’s bargaining position in Parliament, particularly if its representatives maintain a common position on matters affecting the state.
The real litmus test: Can they put aside their differences?
While the prospect of a three-party alliance is politically attractive, forming a coalition is considerably easier than maintaining one.
The first challenge will undoubtedly be leadership.
Who will lead the proposed coalition? Will the participating parties agree on a common chairman or president? Can their respective leaders put aside personal political ambitions in favour of a collective agenda?
The second challenge will be the distribution of electoral seats.
Warisan, STAR and KDM will each want to protect their respective constituencies and political interests.
Without a fair and transparent seat-sharing arrangement, the coalition could collapse before it even reaches the election campaign.
The third challenge will be voter confidence.
The public will want to know whether this is a genuine political partnership built around a common vision for Sabah or simply another temporary arrangement designed to secure electoral advantages.
These questions must be addressed honestly.
A coalition that cannot resolve its internal differences will struggle to convince voters that it can govern a state as politically and culturally diverse as Sabah.
Something Sabahans have been waiting for?
Perhaps the greatest significance of a possible Gabungan Parti Sabah lies in what it could represent to ordinary Sabahans.
For years, many Sabahans have expressed frustration with political instability, frequent political realignments and the persistent use of divisive rhetoric to secure electoral support.
There is also growing concern about the influence of certain Malaya-based political parties whose political strategies and priorities may not always reflect the aspirations and circumstances of Sabahans.
This should not be interpreted as hostility towards Peninsular Malaysians or a rejection of cooperation with national political parties. Malaysia is a federation, and Sabah has an important role in its future.
However, Sabahans should have the confidence and political maturity to determine their own political direction.
A strong local coalition could offer an alternative to the fragmented political landscape, provided it is founded on democratic principles, good governance, transparency and a genuine commitment to Sabah’s constitutional rights.
It must also demonstrate that it is capable of representing all communities in Sabah, not merely particular ethnic or political constituencies.
A new chapter, or merely another political rumour?
At this stage, Gabungan Parti Sabah remains a subject of political speculation rather than an established political reality.
Nevertheless, the growing interactions among the leaders of Warisan, STAR and KDM have given the discussion a political context that should not simply be dismissed.
If the three parties eventually come together, their decision could significantly reshape Sabah’s political landscape ahead of GE16.
