Black Wave making a splash

Turning tide: Independent party workers putting up flags around Kota Kinabalu. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star

Sabah independents seek to shape the next state govt

KOTA KINABALU: An ambitious Black Wave movement of independents led by Kudat MP Datuk Verdon Bahanda might be stumped – but not out – amid an avalanche of 74 independents running in nearly all of the 73 state seats.

Verdon, who is an independent MP, said his 17 independent candidates are focused on their bold attempt to provide an alternative to Sabah’s political landscape dominated by major parties.

“Our candidates remain focused on our original aims. We are not a group of disappointed candidates,” he said in an appa­rent reference to several independents, including incumbents and candidates who were dropped by their respective parties.

“They are not ‘disappointed candidates’ as some have tried to portray, but comrades-in-arms who have chosen this path out of principle and conviction.

“Our understanding and brother­hood have long been established, and I have always respected all other independent candidates,” Verdon said in a Facebook post.

He said the Black Wave respects the democratic right of anyone to contest as an independent.

Mohd Zaim Ansawi, who is one of the Black Wave independents contesting the Tanjung Aru seat, is unfazed by other independents.

“We are not aligned or supported by any party or individuals.

“Our focus is to win as indepen­dents and we will then play a role to help form the next government as a team,” said Zaim, who is challenging Warisan vice-president Datuk Junz Wong in a nine-­cornered contest.

Political analyst Tony Paridi Bagang said the Black Wave candidates appear far more orga­nised and synchronised as they share a common narrative, messaging tone and strategic framing of issues, allowing them to project a cohesive identity on the campaign trail.

“This coherence not only strengthens their political branding but also preserves the distinctiveness of the Black Wave movement, something that solo independents struggle to achieve due to limited coordination and fragmented messaging,” he said.

However, there are a few non-Black Wave independents in the fray.

These candidates may appear to be strong contenders because of their reputation, strong grassroots support and political machinery.

For example, he felt that incumbent Pintasan assemblyman Datuk Fairuz Renddan is a strong independent contender.

Fairuz was dropped by Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, which decided to field Usno president Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia for the seat.