FMT:
PN should go solo in Sabah to gauge true strength, say analysts
4 hours ago
Nora Mahpar
They say contesting alone will allow the coalition to assert its identity and measure grassroots support without early compromises
Sabah PN chairman Ronald Kiandee said the coalition will contest the 17th state election on its own, without forming alliances. (Facebook pic)
PETALING JAYA: Perikatan Nasional (PN) should contest the upcoming Sabah election on its own to reassess its influence after losing most of its assemblymen in 2022, analysts say.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s Bilcher Bala and Borneo Geo-Politics & Electoral Studies researcher Syahruddin Awang Ahmad said going solo would allow PN to test its real strength as a national coalition seeking to regain relevance in a landscape dominated by local parties and sentiments of state autonomy.
“Running alone will allow PN to project its own identity and measure its grassroots support without being tied to early compromises,” Bilcher told FMT.
Sabah PN chairman Ronald Kiandee earlier confirmed that the coalition would contest the 17th state election independently, although it remained open to possible cooperation depending on the political climate.
Syahruddin said it could serve as a “reality check” for PN, helping it measure its true support after losing nearly its entire Bersatu machinery to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) in 2022.
He said the outcome would show whether PN’s influence stemmed from the party’s brand itself, or from personalities who had since defected.
“Even if it risks defeat, going solo will provide PN with real electoral data on its voting strength across constituencies without interference or seat clashes that might arise from alliances.
“With only one MP left (Beluran), PN is now a minor player in Sabah politics,” he told FMT.
Success hinges on local issues
Bilcher said PN’s success would depend on how well it aligns its campaigns with local issues such as native land rights, rural development, and implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
“If PN continues using a peninsular-style approach, it will struggle to gain acceptance. Sabah voters are now more critical and judge parties based on who truly fights for the state’s interests,” he said.
With the “Sabah for Sabahan” sentiment running strong, forging alliances with local parties such as Warisan and Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat would be challenging, he said.
“In Sabah, where politics is deeply rooted in trust and local identity, post-election cooperation is more likely to be accepted than early alliances seen as purely political manoeuvres,” he added.
Syahruddin said that given the state’s focus on autonomy and local priorities, national coalitions like PN should be realistic about their position.
“Since losing most of its representatives to GRS, PN no longer has the bargaining power or capacity to lead any major coalition.
“This situation confirms PN’s position as a minor player in Sabah politics. Running solo will let it understand its true value before negotiating, and avoid becoming a weak partner,” he said.
Difficult to lead a coalition
Awang Azman Pawi of Universiti Malaya said PN must build a strong foundation, including a solid grassroots network with winnable candidates and a respectable number of seats if it hoped to lead a coalition in Sabah.
Otherwise, it would play only a subordinate role, with relationships leaning more toward dependency than dominance, he said.
Awang Azman said GRS and other local parties already possessed strong influence and established structures, leaving little room for PN to claim dominance.
“It’s hard for PN to demand leadership unless it brings substantial added value, such as strong funding, national backing, access to federal ministries, or an appealing nationwide image,” he said.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s Bilcher Bala and Borneo Geo-Politics & Electoral Studies researcher Syahruddin Awang Ahmad said going solo would allow PN to test its real strength as a national coalition seeking to regain relevance in a landscape dominated by local parties and sentiments of state autonomy.
“Running alone will allow PN to project its own identity and measure its grassroots support without being tied to early compromises,” Bilcher told FMT.
Sabah PN chairman Ronald Kiandee earlier confirmed that the coalition would contest the 17th state election independently, although it remained open to possible cooperation depending on the political climate.
Syahruddin said it could serve as a “reality check” for PN, helping it measure its true support after losing nearly its entire Bersatu machinery to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) in 2022.
He said the outcome would show whether PN’s influence stemmed from the party’s brand itself, or from personalities who had since defected.
“Even if it risks defeat, going solo will provide PN with real electoral data on its voting strength across constituencies without interference or seat clashes that might arise from alliances.
“With only one MP left (Beluran), PN is now a minor player in Sabah politics,” he told FMT.
Success hinges on local issues
Bilcher said PN’s success would depend on how well it aligns its campaigns with local issues such as native land rights, rural development, and implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
“If PN continues using a peninsular-style approach, it will struggle to gain acceptance. Sabah voters are now more critical and judge parties based on who truly fights for the state’s interests,” he said.
With the “Sabah for Sabahan” sentiment running strong, forging alliances with local parties such as Warisan and Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat would be challenging, he said.
“In Sabah, where politics is deeply rooted in trust and local identity, post-election cooperation is more likely to be accepted than early alliances seen as purely political manoeuvres,” he added.
Syahruddin said that given the state’s focus on autonomy and local priorities, national coalitions like PN should be realistic about their position.
“Since losing most of its representatives to GRS, PN no longer has the bargaining power or capacity to lead any major coalition.
“This situation confirms PN’s position as a minor player in Sabah politics. Running solo will let it understand its true value before negotiating, and avoid becoming a weak partner,” he said.
Difficult to lead a coalition
Awang Azman Pawi of Universiti Malaya said PN must build a strong foundation, including a solid grassroots network with winnable candidates and a respectable number of seats if it hoped to lead a coalition in Sabah.
Otherwise, it would play only a subordinate role, with relationships leaning more toward dependency than dominance, he said.
Awang Azman said GRS and other local parties already possessed strong influence and established structures, leaving little room for PN to claim dominance.
“It’s hard for PN to demand leadership unless it brings substantial added value, such as strong funding, national backing, access to federal ministries, or an appealing nationwide image,” he said.
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