SAPP’s exit puts PN’s Sabah election strategy under scrutiny, says analyst

SAPP president Yong Teck Lee recently announced the party’s exit from Perikatan Nasional, citing a long-standing policy that all state seats in Sabah be contested solely by local parties. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

A political analyst has questioned the direction Perikatan Nasional will take at the upcoming Sabah state election following the Sabah Progressive Party’s (SAPP) exit from the coalition.

Earlier this month, PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin announced that the state’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) would form the core of the coalition’s manifesto for the election, due to be held before the end of next year.

Bilcher Bala.

However, on Saturday, SAPP president Yong Teck Lee announced the party’s exit from PN, citing a long-standing policy that all 73 Sabah state seats should be contested solely by local parties.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s Bilcher Bala said the loss of SAPP, a prominent local party, would weaken PN’s prospects in Sabah as it is likely to diminish the coalition’s local appeal.

“The ongoing internal conflicts and leadership challenges within PN could also impact their overall electoral strategy and effectiveness in the Sabah polls,” he told FMT.

Oh Ei Sun.

However, Oh Ei Sun of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs believes PAS can soften that impact by continuing to leverage its Islamic credentials especially in the state’s rural areas.

“As long as PAS can maintain its momentum, it could still make political inroads into Sabah despite SAPP’s withdrawal,” he said.

Local autonomy push

Bilcher also linked SAPP’s departure to a broader push among local parties against federal political dominance.

“This move aligns with the aspirations of many Sabahans who seek greater autonomy and self-determination, free from interference by national-based parties.

“This sentiment is not exclusive to SAPP, but is part of a broader movement among local parties in Sabah and Sarawak to assert more control over their political and economic future.”

Good and bad for GRS

Bilcher said SAPP’s decision to stick with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) should strengthen the Sabah coalition’s commitment to upholding the MA63 principles.

“This unity is crucial for presenting a cohesive front to voters and increasing the chances of electoral success in the upcoming state elections.”

However, Oh cautioned that SAPP’s move may now complicate negotiations within the coalition. “Seat allocation is likely to be even trickier,” he said. - FMT