GRS’s 50-seat plan likely to meet pushback from allies, says analyst

 

A leader from Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah had proposed that GRS contest at least 50 state seats to maintain its political strength and safeguard the state’s interests. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

An analyst predicts that Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) will have a hard time convincing its allies to back a proposal for the coalition to contest at least 50 of the 73 state assembly seats in the upcoming state polls.

Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia said any collaboration would require parties to agree on seat allocations as Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional (BN), and Warisan had their individual strongholds in Sabah.

“If GRS insists on contesting 50 seats, I doubt its allies will agree. That’s why it’s complicated for GRS to pre-emptively claim 50 seats for itself,” he told FMT.

Mazlan Ali also said that such decisions should be made only after extensive discussions with allies.

“In my view, by making such a declaration, GRS appears unwilling to leave room for negotiations with other parties,” he said.

On Wednesday, a leader from Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) proposed that GRS contest at least 50 state seats to maintain its political strength and safeguard the state’s interests.

Lumadan Gagasan Rakyat division chief Mazlan Joehari Manan said the coalition must take the lead in seat negotiations, regardless of the alliances formed for the election.

The GRS alliance comprises Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, Parti Maju Sabah, Parti Bersatu Sabah, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku, Usno, Harapan Rakyat, the Liberal Democratic Party, and Parti Cinta Sabah.

BN – which is in the opposition in Sabah – and GRS have both said they will work with PH. Warisan president Shafie Apdal meanwhile said last week that “at this point”, his party would stick with going solo.

Bilcher Bala of Universiti Malaysia Sabah said the remaining 23 seats were likely reserved for potential collaboration with PH.

He said GRS’s confidence stemmed from its push for the full implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963, which has resonated with Sabah voters.

“This is similar to how they view the success of Gabungan Parti Sarawak in Sarawak,” he said.

Bilcher also described Mazlan Joehari’s proposal as a pragmatic strategy that could help GRS maintain its dominance and relevance in Sabah.

“Political stability is crucial to sustained economic and social development,” he added.

“GRS must assess public support and focus on constituencies where it has strong odds of winning. This will improve its prospects of securing more seats.

“If a deal with other parties can be reached, it will further strengthen GRS’s position,” he said. - FMT