One test down for Hajiji but another on the horizon, says analyst
PETALING JAYA : While Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman Hajiji Noor has passed one test on managing tensions among the coalition's components over their standing in the upcoming state polls, more challenges await, an analyst says.
Bilcher Bala of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) said the ability to manage a tense situation hinged on several factors including charisma, communication skills, and the ability to instil confidence.
'Developing trust and loyalty (among the components) is also vital,' he told FMT.
However, he said Hajiji would still have to face the 'complicated' seat negotiations process which would require the eight components to agree on the 73 state seats up for grabs.
This would be more so if GRS joined forces with Pakatan Harapan or Barisan Nasional (BN), he added.
GRS comprises Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, Parti Bersatu Sabah, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), the Sabah Progressive Party, Usno, Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah, the Liberal Democratic Party, and Parti Cinta Sabah.
'Each party will have its own aspirations and demands, so Hajiji will have to ensure a fair and strategic distribution to avoid discontent which could threaten unity in the coalition,' Bilcher said.
Yesterday, Hajiji announced that the GRS component parties had pledged their collective commitment to winning the next Sabah election for the state ruling coalition.
Hajiji, the Sabah chief minister, said he appreciated the trust shown by the party leaders during the three-hour meeting.
The meeting followed remarks by GRS deputy chief Jeffrey Kitingan, who said on Monday that the coalition must improve the way it operates.
This was after Usno president Pandikar Amin Mulia said his party had been ignored by some GRS leaders after demanding seats to contest in the state polls.
Kitingan, the STAR president, said every GRS component party had the right to be treated with respect, whether or not they held seats in the state assembly.
He also proposed that GRS's Supreme Council hold regular meetings to address Pandikar's concerns.
Fellow UMS analyst Romzi Ationg however said that the spat was only the beginning of GRS's problems.
'Media reports make it seem like all is well, but for me, it is just the beginning,' he said.
'What if Hajiji is forced to work with parties that are disliked by the other components?'
He added that several GRS components were eyeing state seats, including that of Bengkoka which was won by BN in the last state election, and Bandau, which is currently represented by Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat.
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