ECONOMIC ISSUES THE FOCUS OF SABAHANS
Voters wanted govt aligned with federal powers to ensure growth in tough times, says analyst
ECONOMIC development issues had provided a slight advantage to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) in wresting the state administration from Parti Warisan Sabah.
Political experts believed GRS’ capturing the state reflected the aspirations shared among most Sabahans, who wanted a government aligned with the federal administration.
Universiti Malaya Associate Professor Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said the change in the federal political landscape, which saw Perikatan Nasional taking over from Pakatan Harapan, had affected the Sabah polls outcome.
“The policies mooted to revive the economy and alleviate the people’s burden following the Covid-19 pandemic have helped GRS in winning the state election.
“The mandate awarded to GRS is perhaps based on the political cooperation between PN and Barisan Nasional as a show of appreciation by some Sabahan voters for the efforts by the federal government.
“The reality is, people are severely affected by the impact brought about by the pandemic. Many of them lost their source of income after becoming unemployed.
“Hence, bread-and-butter issues are above other matters during this difficult times,” Awang Azman said.
He was referring to several initiatives introduced by the PN government to reduce the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which included the Prihatin Rakyat Economic Stimulus Package worth RM250 billion, the additional economic stimulus package worth RM10 billion and the Penjana Economic Recovery Plan worth RM35 billion.
Muhyiddin on Wednesday unveiled another initiative dubbed Kita Prihatin, worth RM10 billion, aimed at helping micro-entrepreneurs, the country’s workforce and those from the B40 as well as the M40 income groups.
However, Awang Azman also noted contributions by the then Sabah government in cushioning the impact of Covid-19.
“But perhaps, the contribution made by the Warisan-led state government was not as significant compared to the multi-billion ringgit initiatives implemented by the federal government.”
The Warisan Plus coalition and its election machinery, said Awang Azman, might have miscalculated its campaign and subsequently provided GRS with a window of opportunity to win the polls.
“At the start of campaigning, Warisan Plus and GRS were headto-head in terms of strength.
“Unfortunately, the message Warisan Plus tried to deliver through social media did not reach the majority of the people, especially those in the interior due to poor Internet connectivity,” he said.
International relations and political expert Dr Oh Ei Sun also believed Warisan Plus lost the election because its message for consolidation did not reach the constituents, especially the Kadazandusun Murut (KDM) community.
He said among others, the allegations against Warisan president and former chief minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, in which he was accused of being a foreigner, had affected the KDM’s support for the coalition.
“The allegation elicited the deepest fear from within the KDM community. As the orang asal (indigenous community) of Sabah, they fear if there are foreigners trying to take the state.
“The message of unity championed by Shafie, however, resonated well among constituents living in the coastal areas and suburban parts of the state. Having said that, the bread-and-butter issue remains paramount.
“And of course, the federal government is in a better position to assist the people,” said Oh, who is also a Sabahan and a senior fellow with the Singapore Institute of International Affairs.
GRS won Sabah after securing 38 of the total 73 state seats in the state polls on Saturday.
The coalition subsequently increased its number to 41 after receiving support from three independent candidates, who won in Kuamut, Kemabong and Pitas
Moving forward, Awang Azman said the Sabah election was a lesson for both BN and PN, especially in the aspects of resolving political differences.
“During the state election, BN and PN clashed in 17 state seats. But in other constituencies, both political blocs managed to come together to face their common rival, which is Warisan Plus.
“They stand a good chance of winning any election, especially if Umno and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia remain united for a common goal.”
Oh, however, said Umno would be better off continuing its pact with Pas.
“I think close cooperation between Umno and Pas will result in a lot of seats (won). Whether they are willing to help out Bersatu, is another matter.”