Sabah PN can spring a surprise in state polls, says PAS

INTERVIEW | Sabah PAS leaders are optimistic that Perikatan Nasional can pull off a surprise in the upcoming state election.

Sabah PAS commissioner Aliakbar Gulasan said while other parties are still hesitant about forming electoral alliances, PN has already decided to stand on its own in the state.

“In the current context, PN can spring a surprise even if it stands alone, because PN has previously governed Malaysia and is also part of the Sabah government.

“PN is also prepared to field candidates who have been working on the ground, not those who only appear during election season.

“Furthermore, Sabah PN has never been tainted by corruption or abuse of power,” he said in an interview with Malaysiakini in Kuala Lumpur recently.

He was responding to a question on PN’s confidence in challenging its rivals in the 17th state election, given the latest developments in Sabah.

In the 2020 state polls, PN won 17 out of 73 state seats and subsequently formed the state government with GRS, BN, and Parti Bersatu Sabah.

‘Stigma’ against PAS only an isolated view

Asked about claims that Sabahans reject PAS due to religious sentiments, Aliakbar dismissed it as an isolated perception.

He said that while some may hold such views, it was not a widespread stigma.

“We can’t deny it because society has the freedom to think. But in my experience with various communities and programmes in Sabah, I don’t see it as a stigma.

“Perhaps it’s only the view of a few who think PAS cannot be accepted. But generally, throughout Sabah, we enter into a harmonious manner.

“Even when we use the party’s logo, there’s no resistance. I feel this may just be part of certain parties’ provocations,” he explained.

He added that PAS’ influence in Sabah is growing, pointing to the establishment of PAS divisions in 22 out of 25 parliamentary constituencies.

“This means if that’s the indicator, we can say about 90 percent of constituencies accept us. That’s a positive number,” he said.

Building grassroots influence

Aliakbar said Sabah PAS has long been active, running welfare programmes and building educational institutions across the state.

As a nominated assemblyperson, he admitted the position gave him an advantage to get closer to the people.

“Of course, being part of the government gives us many advantages to engage with society.

“But it’s not about personal gain. It’s about bringing positive efforts to the community. That’s why our early hashtag was ‘we fight with work’.

“Whether you’re an elected rep or not, the struggle is not about getting recognition but about helping people,” he said.

Sabahans seen as politically flexible

The PAS central committee member, who hails from Sabah, said people in the Land Below the Wind are flexible in politics and easy to work with.

“I think Sabahans are very flexible. It depends on how you approach them. Because we are also Sabahans, we understand their values and approaches.

“Growing up in Sabah, we know the diversity of its people. There are no barriers; Sabahans are very open to working together.

“Of course, during election season, the rise of different parties does have an effect. But generally, Sabahans do not reject working under any party banner,” said Aliakbar.

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