Usno in GRS could be way out for Sabah Bersatu leaders, say analysts

 

Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor (left) and STAR president Jeffrey Kitingan showing the GRS logo at the first meeting of the coalition on March 18. (Bernama pic)

KOTA KINABALU: The inclusion of United Sabah National Organisation (Usno) into Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) could provide an “alternative” platform for Bersatu leaders in the state should they decide to ditch their party.

Universiti Teknologi Mara’s Tony Paridi Bagang told FMT that with the inclusion of Usno, Sabahans would also be given a choice in the event they wanted to back a homegrown party.

This was echoed by Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s Lee Kuok Tiung, who said that, given its acceptance by GRS, a shift of Bersatu members to Usno could be likely in the future with three key parties being considered to be admitted into the coalition.

“Those wanting to switch to a more homegrown party as their political platform can pick Usno as an alternative, rather than setting up a new party,” Lee told FMT.

On Monday, GRS chief Hajiji Noor announced Usno as its new component party. He said Parti Liberal Demokratik, Parti Cinta Sabah, and Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat’s admission into the coalition was also being considered.

Bagang said that GRS’ acceptance of Usno into its fold was also a strategic move, as the coalition was trying to emulate Sarawak’s governing GPS.

“However, GRS would be unable to be completely like GPS, given that GRS includes Bersatu, a peninsular party,” he said.

It was previously reported that Bersatu, a key party in the coalition, was waning in popularity in Peninsular Malaysia.

National Council of Professors fellow Jeniri Amir had pointed out that Bersatu did not have grassroots and strong machinery, and had very few members. He said that with Muhyiddin Yassin no longer in power, Bersatu had very little influence in the state.

Lee said for GRS to emulate GPS would require hard work, including naming direct candidates instead of party-based candidates in the coming general election.

Meanwhile, Universiti Malaya’s Awang Azman Pawi said Usno’s inclusion into GRS would allow the coalition to claim itself to be Sabahan homegrown.

He said that after the general election, GRS would likely rebrand itself as a grand coalition of Sabah homegrown parties.

Awang Azman said with Usno in the fold, there will also be no clashes during elections.

“Given the not so stable situation in Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the peninsula and how they would fare in the general election remains a question mark, then GRS remains the best grand coalition for Sabah.

“This is to ensure that, in the event PN becomes irrelevant, GRS would play a bigger role in the state,” he said. - FMT