Universiti Malaya’s Awang Azman Pawi told FMT such an understanding would serve only to increase the popularity of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government more while denting Sabah PH’s image.
“It would be best for Sabah PH to just drop it. After all, DAP and Warisan do not want any part of it,” he said.
He said Sabah DAP probably realised that its popularity would take a hit if it were to push ahead with the proposed memorandum, known as the Sabah Reform Agenda (SRA) and modelled after PH’s accord with Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s administration.
He also said DAP appeared to believe that the collaboration would “tie down” Sabah PH to GRS and thereby prevent it from being an effective opposition.
DAP made its decision on Sunday. Sabah DAP secretary Phoong Jin Zhe said the party felt there was no need for any kind of agreement with GRS because the ruling coalition already enjoyed a secure majority.
This is unlike the situation in the Dewan Rakyat, where Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s government has only a small majority.
Sabah DAP was in the PH entourage that presented the seven-point SRA to chief minister Hajiji Noor on Nov 15.
State PH chief Christina Liew said she was not aware of the DAP decision, adding she would ask the party for more information.
Sabah PH consists of PKR, DAP, Amanah and Upko (United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation).
Romzi Ationg of Universiti Malaysia Sabah said the SRA, aimed at achieving political stability, would not be significant without Warisan’s participation.
He told FMT he believed the public also did not feel such a collaboration was needed because political stability in Sabah was dependent on the political situation in Peninsular Malaysia.
Sabah UiTM’s Tony Paridi Bagang said DAP appeared to be re-assessing its involvement in the SRA following PH’s poor showing in the Melaka and Sarawak elections.
“Perhaps DAP can read the sentiments of Chinese voters that a memorandum of understanding may not give it an advantage,” he said.
The SRA contains proposals for a number of political and administrative reforms as well as the pursuit of state rights under Malaysia Agreement 1963 and a post-Covid-19 economic recovery plan.