PH’s seat limit in Sabah polls a nod to GRS’s grip, says analyst

PH’s seat limit in Sabah polls a nod to GRS’s grip, says analyst

PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Anwar Ibrahim’s statement that his coalition and PKR will contest only a limited number of seats in the Sabah state election could be an acknowledgement of the dominance of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), says a political analyst.

Bilcher Bala of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) said GRS, led by chief minister Hajiji Noor, had established itself as the main political player in Sabah, with seat distribution likely to favour the coalition of local parties.

His comments follow media reports citing sources that PH secured just 18 state seats through its cooperation with GRS, compared to 30 in earlier negotiations with Barisan Nasional.

“This shows that GRS has a decisive influence in seat allocation, while PH accepts the political reality that leans towards Sabah-based parties,” Bilcher told FMT.

He also said that such acceptance showed recognition of regional political autonomy and the need for a national coalition to adapt its strategy to Sabah’s political landscape.

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“It also shows that PH is not in a strong bargaining position in Sabah, compared to GRS which is more deeply rooted,” he said.

Last Friday, Anwar, the PKR president, reportedly said that PH’s “limited” seat allocation in the upcoming state election would still carry weight.

He said PKR would only field candidates in a few constituencies, with most allocated to other PH components and allies.

In the 2020 state polls, PKR won two seats (Api-Api and Inanam) and DAP six (Luyang, Likas, Kapayan, Sri Tanjong, Elopura, and Tanjong Papat), though the assemblymen for Elopura and Sri Tanjong defected to Warisan in 2022.

Bilcher added that Sabahans would see Anwar’s position as realistic and pragmatic, aimed at prioritising stability and development while avoiding clashes among allies in the unity government.

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Syahrudin Awang Ahmad, a researcher with Borneo Geo-Politics & Electoral Studies, said the move was necessary to safeguard political stability and economic progress in the state.

“In the context of Sabah politics, which is known for its instability, mature voters may appreciate efforts to avoid infighting among allies in the unity government,” he said.

He added that the move would be seen as wise, in line with the spirit of Sabah’s demands under the Malaysia Agreement 1963.

“Prioritising results over power struggles is more beneficial,” said Syahrudin, a deputy dean at UMS.

However, neither Bilcher nor Syahrudin dismissed the possibility that some segments of voters, especially those loyal to PH, could view Anwar’s statement as a sign that the coalition lacked confidence in its influence.

“This could create the perception that PH is willing to sacrifice party growth for federal stability, thereby ‘belittling’ local-level efforts,” Syahrudin said.

Bilcher added that Anwar’s statement might dampen grassroots morale and reduce PH’s appeal as a bold reform movement.