KOTA KINABALU: With a state election that is due by September, the fragmented political scene in Sabah may see a winning formula in seat-sharing – if Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan has his way.
The Sabah STAR president claims to have a “win-win” plan among the ruling eight-party Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), with adjustments to include Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional if need be.
Kitingan, who is keeping his formula under wraps from the media, said it would be fair to all GRS components, including those currently without seats.
He said the seat-sharing plan aims to keep GRS intact while being flexible in addressing the coalition’s relationship with Pakatan and Barisan.
“We were supposed to have a meeting on seat allocation on Feb 23, but I asked Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor (GRS chairman and Chief Minister) for a postponement so I can engage with all party presidents.
“There is no use having a meeting if we continue to argue with no conclusion. I have met most of them, and know what’s on their minds and their wants. I am scheduled to meet two more soon.
“But I have a formula that ensures fairness among the eight component parties while allowing non-seat-holding parties to contest,” he said in an interview.
Kitingan, who is GRS deputy chairman and Deputy Chief Minister I, noted that most components prefer to keep GRS united, which “simplifies the seat distribution process”.
Apart from Sabah STAR, GRS also comprises Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat), Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) and Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (Harapan Rakyat).
The other components without a seat are United Sabah National Organisation (Usno), Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS) and Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
Kitingan said they still need to address GRS’ ties with Pakatan and Barisan if an electoral pact is to be forged, adding that there is a way to collaborate without full political integration.
“We must ensure that cooperation with national parties does not compromise Sabah’s autonomy. The goal is to run our own affairs while working together where necessary.
“Peninsular leaders must understand that Sabahans are not against them. We simply want control over our own destiny. If national parties continue imposing their presence and taking Sabah seats, then the very purpose of forming Malaysia is lost.
“Sabah must not become a political colony again. GRS must remain dominant. So if we contest alone, one strategy applies; if we go with GRS Plus, adjustments will be necessary.
“Politics is unpredictable, but my position remains clear - Sabah must be like Sarawak. ‘Rumah kita, kita jaga’ (We take care of our own house).”
Kitingan said it is important for GRS to prioritise the seats of its anchor parties – Gagasan Rakyat, PBS and Sabah STAR – which won 24 out of the 73 state seats in the September 2020 Sabah election.
Gagasan Rakyat was formed in 2023 after Hajiji and its leaders left Bersatu in December 2022 following the formation of the unity government.
