GRS collaboration with PH-BN could reshape Sabah's electoral landscape
KOTA KINABALU: The electoral landscape could undergo a significant shift if Peninsular-based coalitions collaborate with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), a political analyst from Universiti Malaysia Sabah said.
Associate Professor Dr Lee Kuok Tiung said the recent announcement by Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) to cooperate for the Sabah state election is a key development.
"It is a logical move, as this announcement provides PH and BN in Sabah with a clearer sense of direction," he said.
"However, if the PH-BN collaboration includes GRS, it is highly likely they will have to accept that GRS will contest the majority of seats," he told the New Straits Times.
Lee said GRS could justify its demands based on the number of incumbents it currently holds.
GRS presently controls 38 of the 73 state seats, while Umno holds 11 and PH has seven.
"Based on a formula of maintaining the status quo, there is a tendency for GRS to work with PH, especially in urban seats.
"I also believe GRS will allow space for BN assemblymen who opposed the 'Kinabalu Move'," he added.
The 'Kinabalu Move' refers to the 2023 political manoeuvre when Sabah BN chief and then Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin led BN representatives in withdrawing support from the state government.
However, BN assemblymen Datuk Shahelmey Yahya (Tanjung Keramat), Datuk Jasnih Daya (Pantai Dalit), Datuk James Ratib (Sugut), and Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari (Tempasuk) defied Bung's directive.
Other BN lawmakers who remain in the GRS cabinet include Assistant Rural Development Minister Harun Durabi (Bengkoka) and Assistant Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Andi Suryady Bandy (Tanjung Batu).
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