Dismal outlook for Sabah Barisan after GE14 disaster

KOTA KINABALU: Things do not augur well for Sabah Barisan Nasional with four local parties having left since its disastrous showing in GE14.

Parti Upko led by Datuk Madius Tangau instantly threw its support for Parti Warisan Sabah and its partners DAP and PKR.

This resulted in Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal being sworn in as Chief Minister. Both Barisan and Warisan had been tied with 29 seats in the hung assembly of 60 members.

Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) and the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) also left Barisan within a week.

Sabah Barisan is now only left with its core national components – Umno, MCA, Gerakan and MIC.

The direction of PBS, PBRS and LDP is still not clear as there is talk that they are keen to form a Sabahbased coalition to join hands with the now ruling Pakatan Harapan.

There is also speculation that Umno assemblymen and MPs would either join one of the local parties or form a new party to be part of the Sabah-based coalition.

Sources said not all Umno assemblymen and MPs were keen with the plan though some indicated that former foreign minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman might be spearheading the move after Hari Raya.

“Basically, the proposed localbased coalition will rival Warisan and partners in Sabah but be friendly with the Federal Government,” the source said.

Sabah Umno chairman Tan Sri Musa Aman’s duties were taken over by his deputy Datuk Seri Mohd Salleh Tun Said last week.

Musa has kept a low profile since the election defeat. He is being sought by the police and anti-graft agency and is believed to be overseas.