Perikatan Nasional (PN) should contest the Sabah state election on its own to reassess its influence after the bloc “collapsed” when all its assemblymen defected three years ago, according to analysts.
UMS’s Bilcher Bala said a solo run allows PN to project a distinct identity and measure grassroots support without early compromises.
Sabah PN chief Ronald Kiandee has said the coalition plans to go solo while remaining open to collaborations depending on political dynamics.
GeoPES researcher Syahruddin Awang Ahmad called it a “reality test” after PN lost much of Bersatu’s machinery to GRS in 2022, adding it will show whether PN’s pull rests on party branding or leader personalities.
He noted a solo path, while risky, yields clean electoral data free from partner effects; early alliances risk seat overlaps. With only one MP (Beluran) remaining, PN is a small player in Sabah.
Bilcher warned success hinges on local issues—native land rights, rural development and MA63 implementation—rather than a Peninsular-centric approach.
UM’s Awang Azman Pawi said leading any Sabah coalition requires significant seats, strong grassroots and winnable candidates; otherwise PN becomes a junior partner. With GRS and local parties entrenched, PN must bring clear added value, financing, national appeal or federal access, to claim leadership.
