Establishing another alliance as an alternative to the current Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Pakatan Harapan coalitions in Sarawak makes good “political sense”.

This is according to the State Reform Party (Star) president Lina Soo.

However, Soo said the creation of the proposed front – Sarawak Baru Alliance or SBA – as suggested by Parti Bansa Dayak (PBDSB), should not be ordained as the “third force” but rather as a “government-in-waiting”.

According to her, if the ultimate aim of SBA is to take over the Sarawak government, then it is not "politically correct" to position itself as the third force or a mere alternative pact.

“Such terminologies suggest that SBA would culminate in a 'dead end' in itself,” she told Malaysiakini.

Third force

Last week PBDSB president Cobbold John Lusoi disclosed plans that his party is mulling the setting up of a third force in Sarawak in response to the changing political landscape in the state after the May 9 general election.

According to Cobbold (photo), his party is looking into engaging with the Star, the United Peoples Party (UPP), Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK), the Sarawak Workers Party (SWP) and the Sarawak Peoples Energy Party (Teras).

He had said the new opposition coalition is aimed at keeping both the Harapan and GPS coalitions in check and will seek to be the “favoured alternative pact.”

Cobbold’s suggestion comes in the wake of the formation of GPS last month.

GPS consists of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Sarawak United Peoples Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP). These four parties were previously coalition members of the Sarawak BN.

Changing landscape

According to Soo, the face of Sarawak’s political landscape is likely to change in the preceding months before the state polls and quite certainly after the polls.

“Sarawak is at the crossroads currently, with the onslaught of Malaya-based parties like DAP and PKR who are determined to take over the Sarawak government in the state polls.

“Although there is no more BN in Sarawak and the state never had direct Umno rule, the recent announcement by Bersatu's planned 'incursion' into the state is causing quite a flurry among political circles.

“In the face of these changes, as to how the state’s underling homegrown parties are going to stand up to what is to come, depends on political maturity or the lack of it, and whether or not they
could make any impact among Sarawakian voters on their own stead,” said Soo.

She said it is quite likely that the time has come for realignments and reconfigurations of political forces in the state, adding that as of now, no small Sarawak party can ever claim to have won any seat in its own right.

“Sarawak is a unique territory in the Federation of Malaysia. We are the only state without an official state religion but with all races living in harmony.

Sarawak is the richest state in natural resources but has the poorest citizenry, with its oil and gas creamed off to finance development in West Malaysia in the last four decades, she pointed out.

Battle for sovereignty

She said the upcoming state election will be fought over the issue of Sarawak’s sovereignty, especially on the ownership and control of its rich oil and gas deposits as Sarawakians are aware of the immense wealth within their shores and are questioning why such bounty is not benefitting them.

“On this note, the congealing of the smaller homegrown parties is ideal, as each little party’s struggle on its own to win control of the state’s administration and claim the wealth that belongs to Sarawakians is a daunting task,” she added.

She said the time is right to form an alliance and forge a common political agenda as the unifying force and to model its branding as “a-government-in-waiting” - a strategy which is credible and one which lends a heavier clout.

“Star and all native parties in the state must rise up to the challenge to provide a better future for Sarawakians,” said Soo.

GPS will prevail

Meanwhile, political observer Peter Minos, when contacted by Malaysiakini today said setting up another coalition is anyone’s right in a democratic system.

“Nobody can stop such coalitions from springing up, but whether it will work in the long run is to be seen. PBDSB is thus far, yet to win a single state seat despite many attempts at the state elections.

“I see GPS as a better bet, as it is in a more stable position to lead the state after defecting from BN,” he said.

“I perceive GPS battling it out largely with Harapan’s DAP and PKR and perhaps Bersatu, which is planning to make its foray in the state in the coming state elections. I think GPS will prevail being local in essence and being led by Sarawak leaders who have experience in state administration,” he said.

Minos pointed out that with GPS being out of the Malayan-based BN, it is in a better position to call the shots in the interests of Sarawak and Sarawakians.

“It no longer has to look up to Umno and BN when it comes to making critical decisions on matters such as the Malaysia Agreement or issues with oil and gas mining as well as Petros and the Petroleum Development Act 1974,” he said.

Minos also cautioned PBDSB and its “intended coalition” not to destroy the unity of Sarawakians or cause the splitting of votes and pave the way for Harapan to win the state elections by default.