Political alliances are nothing new in Malaysia, and, with the electorate growing more and more fragmented, have become something of a necessity.
In Sabah’s crowded political landscape, friend can turn to foe, and foe to friend, in the blink of an eye, usually driven by short-term expediency rather than lasting long-term synergy.
These political “marriages” frequently carry the seeds of betrayal, leaving voters disillusioned and heartbroken when promises unravel.
The recent departure of Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) and the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) from the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition is just the latest example.
In January 2023, Malaysians witnessed a failed attempt by Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN), led by Bung Moktar Radin, to bring down Hajiji Noor’s GRS government from within.
Warisan is no stranger to such shenanigans either. In 2020, Shafie Apdal’s party parted ways with Pakatan Harapan (PH) after being ousted from the Sabah state government.
But even the victors of that state election — a loose coalition comprising Perikatan Nasional (PN), BN and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) — did not survive for very long. Their alliance unravelled in tandem with the collapse of Muhyiddin Yassin’s short-lived federal administration.
Numerous other examples abound, and as the state marches towards its 17th election, the patience of Sabahans is being tested once again.
Where does PH’s confidence come from?
Sabah PH — led by Ewon Benedick of Upko and comprising PKR and DAP— held just seven seats in the previous assembly. GRS has offered it 18 of the 73 seats available for contest, but PH is pushing for 23, testing the patience of its alliance partner.
But where does PH’s confidence come from?
At the 2020 polls, PKR won only two out of the eight seats it contested, while DAP won six but saw two defections. Upko’s record was abysmal, winning only one in 12. Since then, Sabah PH does not appear to have expanded its footprint in the state.
Furthermore, Sabah PH’s bid for a larger seat share risks being perceived as federal overreach, and may trigger a backlash in the light of the increasingly entrenched “Sabah for Sabahans” sentiment among the state’s populace.
This battle isn’t just about numbers. It’s about identity and pride. Sabah PH’s demand risks being seen as tone-deaf to local realities.
Analysts warn that peninsula-based parties pressing for more influence could alienate Sabahans who are determined to resist what they perceive as federal dominance disguised as partnership.
By contrast, GRS — under Hajiji’s leadership — has cultivated a reputation for stability, steering clear of political theatrics and rhetorical excess.
The coalition — comprising Hajiji’s Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS), Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) , Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah, Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Usno — has prioritised governance over grandstanding, winning investor confidence and offering a sense of calm in a state used to political storms.
Warisan–Umno: a risky reunion?
If PH’s assertiveness has raised eyebrows, Warisan’s flirtation with Umno has stirred loud opposition among locals.
Shafie insists that his party will contest the polls on its own, but whispers of a rekindled post-election alliance with Umno are growing louder — a political deja vu that many Sabahans are wary of.
Warisan, with 14 seats, dreams of a two-thirds majority but that dream looks unachievable on its own. A reunion with Umno may be its best chance of securing a majority on the floor of the house, but risks re-opening old wounds.
The Kinabalu Move — Warisan and Sabah BN’s unsuccessful bid to topple the GRS government — ended in failure and triggered a wave of recriminations.
When it arrived on the scene in 2016, Warisan painted itself as Sabah’s autonomous voice. An Umno breakaway, the party railed against BN’s legacy of neglect.
Reuniting now could muddy that message and leave supporters wondering if the party will still honour its new “Save Sabah” pledge.
The real choice
Once again, voters face a choice: a steady GRS–PH partnership built on compromise, or a Warisan–BN/Umno reunion premised on expediency and risk.
Sabah voters are no longer taken by grand declarations and hollow campaign promises. They are looking for stability, which only alliances built on trust, transparency and a genuine commitment to Sabah’s autonomy can offer.
Sabahans want leaders who will fix roads, deliver electricity and clean water, bring in investments to strengthen the state economy, create jobs, and execute improvements to infrastructure and facilities.
This election isn’t about who wins the most seats. It’s about who can earn and keep the trust of Sabahans long after the ballots are counted.
Minderjeet Kaur is a senior journalist in FMT.
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.