Allies contesting under GRS logo key to strengthening pact, say analysts

 

An analyst said GRS is sending a signal that for political cooperation in Sabah, parties outside GRS, including PH, must accept and agree to use the coalition’s logo. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

The proposal for allies of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) to contest under the coalition’s banner in the next state election could help strengthen their political pact, say analysts.

Tony Paridi Bagang of Universiti Teknologi Mara said the proposal would compel parties from Peninsular Malaysia to demonstrate their commitment and solidarity with the local parties in the alliance.

In other words, GRS is sending a signal that for political cooperation in Sabah, parties outside of GRS, including Pakatan Harapan, must accept and agree to use the coalition’s logo,

 he told FMT.

On Thursday, GRS deputy chairman Jeffrey Kitingan suggested that all parties working with the coalition should contest under its logo in the next state election to show a united front.

In the last state polls, PKR contested under its own logo, while DAP used the logo of Warisan, the party led by former Sabah chief minister Shafie Apdal.

GRS, led by chief minister Hajiji Noor, comprises Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, Parti Bersatu Sabah, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku, Sabah Progressive Party, United Sabah National Organisation, Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah, Liberal Democratic Party, and Parti Cinta Sabah.

Syahruddin Awang Ahmad of Universiti Malaysia Sabah said the proposal would allow GRS to gain influence, while parties based in the peninsula could leverage this influence.

Citing PKR as an example, he believed that this strategy would help the national party retain the Inanam and Api-Api state seats.

The chances of PKR winning both seats are high if they can maintain grassroots support while countering the strong opposition from the local parties,

 he said.

Kitingan’s proposal follows Usno president Pandikar Amin Mulia’s call for peninsula-based parties to let local parties contest in the state election.

Yesterday, Sabah Pakatan Harapan chief Christina Liew said they would consider all available options, but the final decision would depend on the individual parties within PH. - FMT