KOTA KINABALU: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Supreme Council has unanimously reached a consensus to urge the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) not to collaborate with Barisan Nasional (BN)-Umno in the 17th Sabah state election.
LDP president Datuk Chin Su Phin pointed out that Pakatan Harapan (PH) led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim remains as the government of the day at the federal level, regardless of the results of the state election.
Hence, it is imperative that the coalition or party that wins has an amicable relationship with its federal counterparts, he said.
At present, Chin said GRS is most likely to discuss seat distribution with PH for the Sabah state election, but the latter must demonstrate its sincerity in working with GRS as well.
“Ideally, PH should not contest more than 20 seats,” he said, adding that the final outcome will be determined by the negotiations between the Chief Minister cum GRS chairman Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor and Anwar.
If PH and GRS fail to reach a consensus on seat distribution, GRS and PH will probably go solo in the state polls, akin to a friendly match, and discuss on the formation of a new state government after the election.
Chin continued to say that DAP is eyeing six to eight predominantly Chinese seats in the upcoming state election.
“If GRS were to form an electoral pact with DAP and the latter contests in all the Chinese-majority seats, there will be no room left for Chinese-based component parties in GRS.
“I hope that the Chief Minister will give this matter his careful consideration,” Chin said after chairing LDP Supreme Council meeting here on Sunday.
He said the sentiment for local party in the next state election is strong, especially in the six Chinese-majority constituencies where voters are inclined to cast their ballots in favour of Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan).
“If Warisan fails to form the state government, Chinese voters will inevitably be labelled as the opposition.
“It will be a major loss to the Chinese community.”
Hence, he urged Chinese voters to exercise wisdom in the state polls.
Chin recalled that Warisan only won 23 state seats in the 2020 state election despite the strong local party sentiment then.
In addition, he said Warisan lack support from the Kadazandusun community and will certainly face a challenge in Malay seats given the three-way split in Malay vote.
“Warisan will not stand a chance in becoming the next state government even if the party wins all six Chinese-majority seats.”
Chin hoped that Sabahan voters, especially the Chinese, will support GRS, a local party alliance in the state election.
“Under GRS’ governance, Sabah has enjoyed political stability and economic growth.
“We should let GRS continue to be the state government of Sabah.
“I am confident that Sabah’s economy will achieve even better progress in the next three years under the administration of GRS.”
Chin said a change of government does not always result in a positive outcome.
“Sarawak’s economy is on the rise because they have never experienced a change of government.”
He said a new government entails policy changes, which will deter investors from coming to Sabah and hinder economic growth for at least two to three years.
“Sabah voters should think wisely in the upcoming state election. This is an opportunity for Sabahans to unite and support GRS for a better tomorrow.”
On a separate note, the Supreme Council has passed a motion to freeze the Pantai Manis division.-pr/BNN
