KOTA KINABALU: A local political analyst has expressed doubt that the new state opposition alliance led by former Umno leader Datuk Seri Anifah Aman would have much impact in Sabah politics.
Dr Lee Kuok Tiung of Universiti Malaysia Sabah said unless Parti Gagasan Rakyat Bersatu Sabah (Gagasan) has young leaders in its ranks, he does not see the new alliance as being a tough contender in the 15th general election.
On whether Anifah’s leadership was still relevant, he noted the former foreign minister and Kimanis federal lawmaker has his strong supporters.
“Within Gagasan, I am doubtful as most of them are veteran Kadazandusun Murut Rungus (KDMR) leaders. It (Gagasan) is KDMR dominant now," he said in reply to New Straits Times’s text messages today.
“Political bickering can happen within a party and not necessarily within an alliance. You need young blood to deal with young voters especially when #undi18 (18-year-old voters) is expected to take place in GE15.”
Two days ago, four parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding to unite under the existing Gagasan party with Anifah as the president.
The signatories were Gagasan president Dr Ationg Tituh, Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS) president Datuk Seri Wilfred Bumburing, Parti Anak Negeri Sabah president Datuk Henrynus Amin and Parti Hak Sabah pro-tem president Datuk James Ligunjang.
Three parties are to be dissolved upon approval from the components’ respective supreme councils, while Gagasan is to be renamed.
Anifah had said the process was likely to be completed by April, adding that Gagasan would throw its support behind any government policy the coalition deemed as positive.
The main objectives, he said, was to unite opposition parties and emerge victorious in GE15, ensuring Sabah rights under Malaysia Agreement 1963 are protected and to resolve illegal immigrant issues.
On whether he was worried there would be future disagreement between involved parties, Gagasan’s current strength and its directions, Anifah said it was too early to comment.
It was reported that the United Sabah National Organisation (Usno) might be interested to join Gagasan but no official talks have taken place.
Usno is an association that looks after the welfare of the Bajau community, especially those in west coast Sabah.
Sabah Progressive Party, a Chinese majority party, is supportive of Gagasan but was against the dissolution of the party.