This is despite the new entity, registered last month, giving the party some hope of “revival” following its election failures in recent years.

The ruling coalition now comprises Bersatu, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) and SAPP, as opposed to Perikatan Nasional, Barisan Nasional (BN) and PBS previously.

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Tony Paridi Bagang of Universiti Teknologi Mara said gaining the support of the Chinese voters will, however, be a big challenge for SAPP.

“If you look at the voting style of the Chinese electorate, they slant towards the opposition, especially DAP,” he told FMT.

“SAPP not only has to compete with DAP and Warisan for the Chinese majority seats, but also has to face MCA from BN. That is why I say it faces a tough test as a member of the new, single entity.”

He said SAPP hoped its continued inclusion in GRS will bring Chinese voters back to the coalition.

Lee Kuok Tiung from Universiti Malaysia Sabah said SAPP’s retention in GRS has given the party hope of a “revival”.

However, he said, it will not be an easy task for the party when it comes to attracting Chinese support.

“It will be difficult for SAPP to win any seats in the urban areas in the next general election, and that goes for PBS and LDP (Liberal Democratic Party) as well.

“This is because urban voters still support the opposition, especially DAP, and candidates from Warisan with calibre,” he said.

After leaving BN in 2008, SAPP’s performance in previous elections had not yielded much results. It failed to win any seats in the 2020 state elections, even though it was part of GRS.

Recently, SAPP said it would use the GRS logo in the next election.