Sabah the game changer in M'sian politics, says state Bersatu coordinator

INTERVIEW | Capturing the support of Sabahans is crucial to Pakatan Harapan especially when it comes to strengthening its position against Umno, said Bersatu supreme council member Mohd Rafiq Naizamohideen.

Calling Sabah the game changer in Malaysian politics, he revealed that this was one of the reasons behind Bersatu's decision to step foot into the East Malaysia state.

This is because Umno and BN would falter if their support in the state dwindles, Rafiq adds.

"The impact of the Umno-PAS cooperation on the country's political landscape should be looked into... It is undeniable that in some areas where the Malays are the majority, the Umno-PAS cooperation has its effects on Pakatan Harapan.

"(But), without Sabah and Sarawak ... with PBB in Sarawak leaving BN and crippling of Umno in Sabah, this (Sabah Bersatu) will be the game changer (for Harapan).

"It will make it harder for BN, and it is not too far if I say that it would be almost impossible for Umno to rise again without Sabah and Sarawak," he said in an interview held in conjunction with Sabah Bersatu's launch slated to take place tomorrow.

Rafiq said another reason for Bersatu to set up branches in the "Land Below the Wind" was to strengthen Harapan's power at both state and federal levels.

Stressing that Bersatu would not pose a challenge to Harapan's partner in Sabah - the Shafie Apdal-led party Warisan - he said Bersatu's presence there would in fact help Warisan.

"We know that in the 14th general election, in the context of Sabah, Warisan faced a big challenge before it formed the state government.

"There were difficulties faced by Shafie and Warisan before several state assemblypersons migrated (to support Shafie), after which Warisan got enough numbers to form the state government.

"With the presence of Bersatu, it can bring a much bigger impact (to Harapan's standing in Sabah).

"What we want, is to see Warisan and other Harapan allies getting more strength (in numbers) in Sabah, which would lead to strengthening the state government. That is our main objective," he said.

Working towards getting two-thirds majority

According to Rafiq, the setting up of Bersatu in Sabah is also a strategy towards helping Harapan obtain a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

He said this was aimed at fulfilling the coalition's reform promises to the rakyat which required amendments to the constitution.

"What (Prime Minister) Dr Mahathir (Mohamad) is doing today is part of the process to get enough numbers for Harapan to have two-thirds majority in the parliament.

"This is so that reformation processes, such as limiting the term for prime minister to two terms, among others, can be done.

"This should be seen as part of the reformation efforts, to show the people that we are fulfilling our promises," he said.

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