Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s (UMS) Bilcher Bala said Ronald Kiandee’s remarks indicated that Sabah PN was preparing for the possibility of a post-election deal with GRS, despite earlier statements by coalition chairman Muhyiddin Yassin ruling out cooperation.
“It indicates a pragmatic approach rather than a fixed ideological position.
“This reflects the fluidity of Sabah politics, where coalition-building often occurs post-election, due to the fragmented vote shares and the difficulty of any single bloc reaching the 37-seat threshold for a simple majority to form the government,” he told FMT.
Lee Kuok Tiung, also of UMS, believed that the Sabah PN chief’s remarks were a form of political signalling, as the coalition prepared for the possibility of a hung assembly.
Lee said it was apparent to PN that its prospects of winning the state election are slim. The coalition is also aware that Sabah politics tends to thrive more on local alliances than federal alignments.
“Even if PN gets a small number of seats, it’s still better to be on the government side than in the opposition.”
Bilcher agreed, saying PN was hedging its bets to avoid isolation if the election ends with no single party commanding a majority, despite Muhyiddin previously labelling GRS a “traitor”.
He suggested that PN was going solo in the state polls to gauge its true strength in Sabah, having lost most of its leaders and machinery following a mass exodus after the 2022 general election.
“However, acknowledging possible cooperation post-election serves as a face-saving mechanism should PN underperform. This narrative allows PN to claim flexibility rather than defeat,” he said.
“Ambiguity can be a deliberate tactic to prevent burning bridges entirely and to avoid alienating voters who favour local unity over prolonged factionalism.”
Nonetheless, Bilcher said there was little incentive for GRS to work with PN.
He said the ruling state coalition led by Hajiji Noor enjoyed the advantage of incumbency and a strong local identity brand.
For now, GRS perceives PN more as a liability than an asset, he said, particularly due to its ties with PAS and Muhyiddin’s repeated “betrayal” narrative.
Bilcher said it would be easier for GRS to work with Barisan Nasional after the polls.
“BN retains historical ties and institutional networks in Sabah, and its federal alignment through the unity government offers GRS greater access to resources and policy influence. PN lacks comparable leverage and remains ideologically distant from GRS’s core narrative.”
Lee said the PAS factor would particularly deter GRS from tying up with PN, as the Islamic party’s brand and slant does not sit well with many Sabahan voters.
PN is contesting in 41 of the 63 seats up for grabs in the state election.
Its state chapter has consistently kept the door open to alliances although Muhyiddin had ruled out working with GRS due to the departure of leaders like Hajiji from Sabah Bersatu.
On Monday, Kiandee said PN might review its decision not to cooperate with GRS after the Nov 29 polls, citing the fluidity of Sabah politics.