KOTA KINABALU: With growing unhappiness in the ruling coalition over Barisan Nasional’s inclusion in the new state government, one of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s main tasks now is to calm rattled nerves within his fold.
Political observers said that although Hajiji was able to form the state government, it remains in a fragile position as the second-term Chief Minister has to manage a delicate political balance within his government.
Sabah UiTM senior lecturer Tony Paridi Bagang said the current state government is functioning, but it remains fragile for now.
“It has the numbers, but politically, it rests on a delicate balance. This coalition was assembled to maintain stability, not because the partners are naturally aligned.
“Its long-term strength depends on how well GRS manages internal expectations and keeps its partners focused on a common agenda,” he said.
Bagang observed that when party wings and grassroots leaders within GRS publicly voice dissatisfaction, it signals real discontent with the presence of Barisan.
“There are historical tensions with Barisan, in particular with Umno, and many in GRS feel its inclusion contradicts the ’Sabah-based coalition’ narrative.
“While this does not cause an immediate crisis, it does chip away at cohesion and raises questions about unity and trust within the ruling bloc,” he said.
However, Bagang believes that GRS can overcome it, but this requires active political management.
“The leadership must reassert the coalition’s Sabah-first direction, explain the rationale behind Barisan’s inclusion, and ensure all partners feel valued in decision-making.
“A win-win understanding is crucial to prevent the dissatisfaction from growing into a bigger rift,” he added.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) senior lecturer Prof Dr Lee Kuok Tiung echoed similar sentiments, saying the internal fragility within GRS requires immediate face-to-face consultation with dissatisfied leaders.
“There will be explanations to the grassroots, who are clearly shocked,” said Lee.
Lee said the hung assembly situation necessitated Hajiji, as the leader of GRS, which has the most seats, to cobble up a state government with a simple majority by obtaining support from other state assemblymen.
“Whether the people or voters can accept this, it will be translated into votes in the 16th General Election,” he said.
Lee said he sensed discontent among GRS, Parti Bersatu Sabah and Upko leaders over the inclusion of Barisan in the state government.
“All (ruling coalition) leaders must present a clear narrative that the cooperation is for stability.
“Like it or not, they must come up with a strategy showing that this will be a tangible benefit to the public,” he said.
However, political analyst Azmi Hassan views Barisan’s entry as strengthening the ruling coalition, as its six assemblymen are very unlikely to make unilateral decisions on whether or not to back the government of the day.
“Any decision to be made by the six assemblymen will be based on what Barisan wants, unlike the five independents, who can still make decisions on their own.
“That’s the reason why I said the current state government composition is tenable. Like it or not, the state government is tenable and it is more stable because of Barisan,” added Azmi.
