Universiti Malaya’s Awang Azman Pawi said after rejecting cooperation with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), PN does not have many viable choices left as it is unlikely to team up with its main rivals, Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN).
He said an alliance with Warisan was also unlikely as the party led by Shafie Apdal champions a “Sabah for Sabahans” agenda, in contrast with PN, which is seen as a Peninsular Malaysia-oriented coalition.
“If PN goes solo, it will face significant challenges in Sabah because it still lacks strong grassroots structures in many rural areas,” Awang Azman told FMT.
“Rejecting GRS may be symbolic of PN’s confidence, but it carries risks, especially given the fluid and highly localised nature of Sabah politics.”
Yesterday, PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin said the coalition would not cooperate with GRS in the state election because of what he described as a betrayal by GRS after its leaders, then in Bersatu, left in November 2022 following the outcome of the 15th general elections (GE15).
However, Muhyiddin said PN was open to exploring electoral alliances with other parties.
Syahruddin Awang Ahmad of Universiti Malaysia Sabah said PN may have to rely on the popularity of its national leaders, an appealing manifesto, and aggressive campaigning if it contests the election independently.
He said this would be difficult because of the dominance of local parties in Sabah politics, something PN lacks given that its component parties consist of Bersatu, PAS, Gerakan and the Malaysian Indian People’s Party.
While local parties like Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku and Parti Maju Sabah were once part of PN, they left to join GRS, which is led by chief minister Hajiji Noor.
In terms of potential alliances, Syahruddin said PN could explore partnerships with local parties unentangled in federal-level conflicts, such as Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat.
“Even influential independent candidates in constituencies like Tambunan, Tenom and Kudat could be strategic picks.
“By rejecting GRS, PN may be forced to get creative in forming alliances in Sabah. They might also aim to be seen not just as a national party, but also as a relevant local player,” he said.
Tony Paridi Bagang of Universiti Teknologi Mara Sabah said PN could face stiff competition if it contests the election independently, making it difficult to win a significant number of the 73 state assembly seats up for grabs.
However, he believed that there are still opportunities for political cooperation given the current fluidity of the political landscape.
“Winning a large number of seats may be difficult for PN, but in politics, nothing is impossible. Political cooperation is still possible, provided there are mutual agreements with other parties,” he said.