THE Pakatan Harapan (PH) alliance in Sabah will tread carefully on adopting the federal “Madani” government model in the state.
Its stance remains non-committal toward the PH-BN configuration, even as lines of communication opened with peninsula BN leaders, brokered by Datuk Zambry Abdul Kadir early this week.
Instead, political insiders appear to be more inclined to continue PH’s partnership with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), with whom it currently shares power in the state government.
BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and PH chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim have been pushing for a unified model in Sabah.
They aim to replicate their federal cooperation, presenting a united BN-PH front for the upcoming state election scheduled next year.
But Sabah PH leaders have yet to fully embrace this approach, citing Sabah’s distinct political dynamics.
Prioritise people's welfare
Sabah PKR chief Datuk Mustapha Sakmud noted the need to prioritise stability.
“Sabah PKR welcomes cooperation talks as long as they ensure Sabah’s stability and prioritise people’s welfare,” he said.
“However, we must first settle internal discussions within PH before engaging with BN or GRS,” he added.
This selective alignment suggests PH is proceeding with a “Sabah-first” strategy. For now, Sabah PH’s priority is stability over duplicating the federal Madani model.
Sabah DAP Chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe voiced a preference for GRS.
“We see potential for continuity and stability in working with GRS,” Phoong said.
“The core concern remains Sabah’s political stability and our mission to drive economic growth in the state,” he said.
Upko Secretary-General Datuk Nelson Anggang echoed similar sentiments.
“Upko supports open communication and is willing to explore cooperation,” Anggang said.
“But a clear direction within PH and with our existing partners is essential,” he added.
This cautious stance reflects PH’s hesitancy to commit fully to a BN-PH pact in Sabah.
BN’s reluctance to work with GRS complicates the alliance possibilities further.
Wary of upsetting balance
BN is wary of sharing influence with GRS, seeing the latter as a rival for dominance in Sabah.
The tension between BN and GRS adds another layer to PH’s non-committal position.
Political observers believe Sabah PH is wary of upsetting the balance in Sabah’s power-sharing arrangement.
Unlike at the federal level, Sabah’s political landscape requires a tailored approach.
Political analyst from Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Dr Lee Kuok Tiung also noted the cautious approach taken by the alliances.
“It's a good, strategic move - especially to avoid internal bleeding which is normally caused by seat distribution,” he said.
The prospect of a PH-GRS partnership offers continuity without complicating state dynamics, he said. – November 15, 2024
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