Syahruddin Awang Ahmad of Universiti Malaysia Sabah said it is a risky move, and warned that it could spell the party’s doom.

He said many local parties in Sabah are trying to establish themselves, which could drown out Usno.

“Usno’s influence in the existing power structure is waning, compared to the other components who have more seats. That’s the reality,” he told FMT.

Usno has no seats in the Sabah state assembly after being defeated in the two constituencies that it contested in the state election last year.

“However, there is still room for Usno to rebrand itself by pushing fresh and relevant narratives,” Syahruddin said, adding that Usno has no clear identity.

On Wednesday, Usno announced that it was leaving GRS, some four years after it was admitted as a coalition member, citing incompatibility with the state government’s policies and style of administration, especially following the state polls.

The party has also relinquished all state government-related posts.

Arvin Tajari of Universiti Teknologi Mara said Usno would struggle to woo young voters, due to the perception that the party is run by “warlords” and the dynastic practices among the leadership.

“Usno’s revival requires the old guard to step back and appoint fresh faces to ensure its relevance in Sabah’s political landscape,” he said.

What’s next for Usno?

Following its exit from GRS, Syahruddin said, Usno has a few “strategic options”, including joining forces with Barisan Nasional or Perikatan Nasional, apart from forming a new coalition with other smaller parties.

Usno could also go solo, he said.

However, Arvin was sceptical that Usno would work with BN and PN, saying voters would abandon the party if it were to form a pact with either of these two coalitions.

“It’s a difficult road ahead for Usno now that they have left GRS. With GRS, Usno could have championed its agenda and come up as a local party,” he said.