KOTA KINABALU – A political shake-up at the federal level will not only threaten the state’s new Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) administration, but Covid-19 recovery efforts as well, say analysts.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah senior lecturer Lee Kuok Tiung Told The Vibes that Sabah leaders have to deal with the Covid-19 outbreak first as lives of the people are at stake.
This comes, he said, after Umno’s threat yesterday to abandon the Perikatan Nasional (PN) federal government if the party’s demands are not met.
“Of course, Sabah will be in turmoil again. But I believe Sabah politics is unique. Sabah Bersatu was once an opposition during the Warisan state government, even though they are in the federal government.
“But a shake-up at the federal level is not the main issue right now, Covid-19 is.”
Late last night, the Umno supreme council said it was considering withdrawing support for PN if terms were not met.
However, Lee aid there will be no way Sabah Umno will not break away from PN as there are many factors to consider.
“I think Sabah Umno has learnt it is best not to enter into a verbal deal, but put it in black and white.”
Meanwhile, UiTM Sabah political analyst Raheezal Shah Abdul Karim said he is reserving his comments on the latest move by Umno, adding that Covid-19 must be the priority.
“It is not the time to talk about a power shift. All these politicians should know that now is not the time.” – The Vibes, October 14, 2020
