Accepting new parties a double-edged sword for Sabah’s GRS, say analysts

KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) seems to have further strengthened its position as the dominant political outfit in the state following the recent admission of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (Harapan Rakyat) into the coalition, says analysts.

However, some also cautioned that this could be a double-edged sword for GRS, which was led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

While the reason for the parties’ admission was obvious, which was to shore up support from the electorate possibly not covered by the five other parties in GRS, Tony Paridi Bagang said there would be tensions when the next election comes.

"Undeniably, any political coalition will face a challenge or problem when election time is around, especially on the seat distribution," said the Sabah Universiti Teknologi Mara senior lecturer.

"However, this could be addressed if all component parties compromise and mutually agree on whatever terms that they set.

"GRS is solidifying its position by accepting the two parties. LDP and Harapan Rakyat have their own supporters or loyalists and this will directly or indirectly give an advantage and value to GRS," he added.

GRS secretary-general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun had on Wednesday (April 5) said its supreme council had approved the application by LDP and Harapan Rakyat to be component parties of the coalition.

GRS now has seven members namely Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat), Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Sabah STAR, the United National Sabah Organisation (Usno) and Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) besides LDP and Harapan Rakyat.

Dr Oh Ei Sun said the GRS leadership would have assessed whether LDP and Harapan Rakyat were of electoral or political value to the coalition before giving the green light to the parties to join.

"For example, they may have unique electoral strengths in particular seats," said Oh, a senior fellow with the Singapore Institute of International Affairs.

"In general, if they can work out their differences then that is adding strength to GRS.

"The existing GRS component parties may or may not be displeased but they have to realise the imperative is for them to collectively win as many seats as possible in the next state elections in order to continue to rule Sabah," he added.

Political observers said that LDP could be at odds with SAPP, as although both were multicultural-based parties, they were however focusing and have more footing in Chinese-majority seats.

Harapan Rakyat, which is led by Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah, a known figure in Tawau having previously been the Merotai assemblyman, and with its sole state representative Kukusan rep Rina Jainal in Semporna, is expected to move mostly in the Sabah east coast.

Observers said that it remains to be seen whether the party can usurp Parti Warisan which was seen as the stronger outfit in an east coast that also has a substantial Gagasan Rakyat and Sabah Umno presence.