KOTA KINABALU – All eyes are on Sabah Umno and its assemblymen after the party’s decision to withdraw support for the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government.
On whether the move will be detrimental to the stability of the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government, Universiti Malaysia Sabah political analyst Lee Kuok Tiung said a pact signed by the GRS alliance on January 9 may be key to survival.
“I strongly believe Sabah’s politics is different from the peninsula’s.
“Sabah Umno has twice openly declared its commitment and loyalty to GRS since the pact was signed.
“This shows it is not influenced by political developments in Peninsular Malaysia,” said Lee.
GRS is a coalition of parties in Perikatan Nasional (Bersatu, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku, Sabah Progressive Party and PAS), Barisan Nasional (Umno, MCA, MIC and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah) and Parti Bersatu Sabah.
Earlier today, GRS leaders had given their assurance that the Sabah government will remain strong by agreeing to maintain cooperation and upholding the mandate given by the people in the 16th state election held last September.
Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor, who is also GRS chairman, had said he had been communicating with the coalition’s component party leaders on the latest political developments in Kuala Lumpur.
Political horse-trading looming?
Sabah’s politics is known to be fluid, particularly after the 14th general election, with many believing Sabah Umno holds the key to GRS’ survival.
Sabah Umno has 16 assemblymen and, should they leave GRS, the coalition will lose its majority in the state assembly.
GRS has 48 assemblymen including the 16 from Umno, while the opposition – Warisan, Pakatan Harapan and Upko – have 30 seats.
If the state chapter takes after Umno national’s decision to withdraw support for PN, this will result in the state opposition having the majority.
If Umno decides not to align itself with either camp, GRS and the opposition will have 30 seats each.
This could give rise to political horse-trading between both the ruling and opposition to clinch power in Sabah.
However, Lee believes such an outcome is still too early to predict, saying that appeared to be a lack of clarity on the Umno move.
For one, he said there are Umno MPs who may not agree entirely with their party’s stand, especially those in Muhyiddin’s cabinet.
“This we saw when the party was offered the deputy prime minister post and senior minister post,” said Lee, referring to Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.
“We still need to see how this pans out at the federal level before we can gauge its effects on Sabah.”
What’s the plan?
Lee said it is also important for the party’s grassroots supporters to know what its leaders are planning next.
“What’s their direction? If they can give some hints on that, I believe there will be more who will support the move.
“Umno must have a clear vision and direction before it decides to quit (PN) or else, its stands to lose.
“Not only will it lose out on cabinet posts, but also other political appointments in ministries, agencies and government-linked companies.
“For Sabah though, I strongly believe it will hold strongly to its autonomy and play its cards well.”
The Vibes has attempted to reach Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar for comments. – The Vibes, August 3, 2021
