Analysts dismiss Kitingan’s chances as Sabah’s next CM

 

STAR president Jeffrey Kitingan would need the support of Hajiji Noor’s Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, which holds 26 seats in the Sabah state assembly, to take over as chief minister.

PETALING JAYA: 

Two political analysts have dismissed Jeffrey Kitingan’s chances of taking over as Sabah’s chief minister, citing his party’s lack of numbers in the state assembly.

University of Tasmania’s James Chin said it would be “impossible” for Kitingan to lead the state given that his Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), one of Sabah’s smaller parties, occupies only six of the 79 seats in the state assembly.

“It’s the very reason why STAR is looking to merge with Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS),” he told FMT.

Earlier this month it appeared that the prospect of a merger between the two native-based parties was gaining momentum, with a special body set up to discuss a potential alliance.

PBS currently has seven seats in the state assembly.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s Bilcher Bala said, Kitingan would need the strong backing of assemblymen from the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition, especially from chief minister Hajiji Noor’s Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah.

Gagasan Rakyat holds 26 of GRS’s 42 seats.

“Even if Kitingan has the credentials (for the chief minister’s post), he needs sufficient numbers as stipulated in the state constitution,” said Bilcher.

Sabah Umno has called for Kitingan to replace Hajiji in the wake of an alleged mining scandal that had implicated several state assemblymen.

STAR, however, has thrown its support behind Hajiji, with Kitingan taking Sabah Umno Youth to task for demanding the chief minister’s resignation.

On Wednesday night, STAR reaffirmed its backing for Hajiji, downplaying a claim by women’s wing chief Kerry Chee that Kitingan was the best candidate to assume the top post.

The party’s deputy information chief Ardino Diris said Chee’s views were merely her personal opinion and did not reflect the party’s position on the matter.

He said the issue of who should take over as chief minister should not even arise and that everyone should support Hajiji’s leadership.

‘What else can she say?’

Chin said Chee’s comments should not be taken seriously as she belongs to the same party as Kitingan.

“What else do you expect her to say? Obviously she would say glowing things about her president.”

He also claimed that Chee had done a “disservice” by her effusive praise of Kitingan, which had made her a laughing stock. “As they say in Malaysia, you can polish, but don’t polish too much.”

Bilcher said Chee’s comments were likely aimed at showing support and confidence in her president’s leadership, especially in the face of apparent political uncertainty.

However, he said, it could lead to speculation among GRS politicians, and may have repercussions on Hajiji’s relationship with Kitingan.

“It is unclear whether she is trying indirectly to lobby for Kitingan (to be appointed CM). That depends on one’s interpretation of the matter,” said Bilcher. - FMT