KOTA KINABALU: The exit of Sabah STAR from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) mounts pressure on its fellow non-Muslim native-based partner Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) to obtain support from these communities, say analysts.
The two parties, who have been working together under the GRS umbrella under a memorandum of understanding to consolidate native support, are now likely to compete with each other.
Political analyst Tony Paridi Bagang said Sabah STAR’s exit could have significant implications on the MOU between PBS and the party.
“If PBS chooses to remain within the GRS coalition, the likelihood of both PBS and Sabah STAR fielding candidates in the same constituencies is very high, which will inevitably split the votes,” said Bagang, a senior lecturer at Sabah Universiti Teknologi Mara campus.
He said the two major native-based parties pitting themselves against each other would place PBS at “a distinct disadvantage”.
“Not only would it face competition from other parties such as Parti KDM, Barisan Nasional and the emerging “black wave” (Independent) movement, PBS will also find itself directly challenged by its former ally, STAR, now turned rival.”
Bagang said the overlapping contest would dilute PBS’s voter base, making it even more difficult for the party to consolidate support and secure additional seats.
He said local based Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), that left GRS with Sabah STAR, may be able to capitalise from the bold move and gain support, especially among the Chinese, which is now dominated by the national-based DAP.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah lecturer Prof Dr Romzi Ationg feels that the grassroots will now be looking at candidates more then party.
“The people are increasingly interested in personalities rather than the political party. The party that chooses the right candidate shall win, and vice versa.
“Be it PBS, STAR or any party, selection of candidate for the Kadazandusun, Murut and Run-gus areas is vital,” he said.
Sabah STAR, led by Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and SAPP, led by Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee pulled out of GRS as they objected to the local coalition giving away too many seats to Pakatan Harapan under an electoral pact.
