Stability key as PKR navigates Sabah's BN-GRS 'love triangle': State chief

INTERVIEW | Maintaining stability among government parties ahead of the upcoming Sabah election is the priority for state PKR chief Mustapha Sakmud, even as concerns mount that Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) could be a “liability”.

Mustapha admitted that Sabah BN’s criticism of the GRS-led state administration, particularly over the mining licence corruption scandal, was not without basis.

“Everyone has their own view. But from PKR’s perspective, we are also concerned about the current developments.

“However, what the party president (Anwar Ibrahim) has asked of us is to find a way to harmonise the situation, with political stability as the priority, especially at the federal level.

“For us, that is more important,” he said during an interview in Parliament.

As seat negotiations commence, the deputy higher education minister stressed that state-level disputes should not lead to larger cracks at the federal level.

Seat negotiations

Apart from its two incumbent seats, Inanam and Api-Api, Mustapha said Sabah PKR is negotiating to contest another 11 of the 23 targeted by Pakatan Harapan components, including DAP, Amanah, and Upko.

“Out of the 13 seats, the final number may either remain the same or decrease. Since we are still in discussions with GRS, there is a possibility that it will decrease.

“But for the seats that we feel will not be an issue, we have already opened our main operations rooms.

“For the potential seats that will not overlap with either of our cooperation partners, we have also trained our party machinery, around 100 in each seat,” he said.

Leading up to an expected dissolution of the Sabah state assembly next month, both BN and GRS have separately pledged alliances with Harapan.

Asked whether Harapan was prepared for potential clashes between BN and GRS candidates, Mustapha replied: “We hope there will be no clashes… we will monitor developments. For now, we still hope to harmonise the situation.”

Anwar, during a visit to Sabah earlier this month, alluded to the BN-Harapan-GRS “love triangle” and expressed hope to avoid three-cornered fights which could split the government bloc and confuse voters.

Echoing the prime minister, Mustapha said, “All three parties should try to compromise.”

“There are indeed liabilities, but we must build an appropriate narrative so the people can accept it. We are aware that the public has its views.

“But for us, political stability is the main priority, especially in maintaining the Madani government at the national level and working to bring that stability down to the state level,” he added.

Sabah Umno information chief Suhaimi Nasir previously described GRS as a “liability” ahead of the state polls and voiced reservations on formal cooperation.

Suhaimi acknowledged arguments for unity and stability but countered that campaigning alongside GRS would force BN to also answer for various issues under Chief Minister Hajiji Noor’s administration.

Warisan’s solo move

Meanwhile, Mustapha noted Warisan’s decision to contest all 73 seats, describing the move as part of the state’s unique political landscape.

“Some play up the ‘Sabah for Sabahans’ sentiment, some focus on national interests, and some try to harmonise both.

“PKR leans more towards harmonising the national and the local,” he said.

He pointed out that Sabah politics had shifted through several phases - from local parties like Usno (United Sabah National Organisation), Berjaya, and PBS (Parti Bersatu Sabah), to BN’s mix of national and local dominance, followed by Warisan’s rise as the leading local party with Harapan’s support.

“Each model has its strengths. I don’t deny that Warisan has strong support, particularly on the east coast. But I believe Sabahans are mature enough to make a choice.

“In terms of popularity, Anwar has the highest rating in Sabah, so that may have an impact during the state election,” he added.

He also acknowledged that Sabah’s political sentiments vary depending on the area.

“In the Kadazan Dusun Murut areas, local sentiment is strong - that has been their struggle from the beginning. But in other areas, especially among the bumiputera Muslims, there is respect for the existing government, continuity of development, and political stability.

“That’s the dynamic in Sabah, and we must cater to the voters’ preferences,” he said.

It was previously reported that 23 registered political parties are expected to contest the 17th state polls, with an automatic dissolution of the 73-seat assembly due on Nov 11.

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