Sabah Pakatan Harapan’s tangled alliances with two rival coalitions could significantly enhance the opposition’s prospects in the upcoming state election, an MCA leader has cautioned.
Dr Pamela Yong, the Sabah MCA Wanita chief, stated that PH’s choice to collaborate with both Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is likely to create substantial complications. This arises because the three coalitions are set to compete against one another in multiple constituencies.
“In fact, the squabbling has already begun,” she told FMT, noting that certain constituencies now face the risk of five- or six-cornered contests.
“In such scenarios, candidates from the establishment or government’s side—whether from GRS, BN, or PH—will merely fragment their own votes, allowing the opposition to present a more unified front,” Yong explained.
Her comments were in response to PH secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who justified the coalition’s decision to partner with both GRS and BN for the state polls.
Saifuddin rejected a Sabah Umno leader’s insistence that PH select only one ally, emphasizing that every political party retains the autonomy to choose its electoral partners.
Yong highlighted that PH’s dual pacts could pose particular challenges for Sabah BN chairman Bung Mokhtar Radin, especially during campaigning.
She questioned whom PH would support in direct clashes between BN and GRS candidates.
“Will they appear on the BN ceramah stage, urging votes for the BN contender, only to slip away to quieter spots to campaign for the GRS candidate?” she queried.
Yong also warned that PH might become entangled in mutual attacks between GRS and BN, necessitating efforts to mitigate the fallout.
If PH becomes preoccupied with “extinguishing internal conflicts,” she said, it could divert attention from the core campaign activities.
“That’s the consequence of trying to balance both sides,” Yong remarked.
“While navigating these intricate relationships is wise, it should not overshadow the main campaign. If unresolved, it could undoubtedly advantage the opposition.”
Yong stressed that securing victory in an election requires more than just a broad agreement to cooperate.
She emphasized the importance of concrete arrangements, such as collective seat allocation and coordinated mobilization of election resources.
“From my observations, the opposition appears more organized and cohesive at this point,” she concluded.
