Commentary By
Datuk James Ligunjang J. P
Ex State Assemblyman
TO secure a majority in DUN Sabah, a party or coalition must win at least 37 out of the 73 seats.
Given the highly competitive landscape with numerous parties vying for victory, the likelihood of any single party or coalition achieving a clean sweep of all 73 seats is extremely low.
Such an overwhelming victory would require an unprecedented level of dominance across the entire state, which is improbable considering Sabah’s diverse political landscape and regional variations.
A more strategic and pragmatic approach is for parties and coalitions to focus their resources and efforts on key battleground seats where they have the greatest potential to win.
Concentrating on these strategic seats increases the chances of reaching the 46-seat threshold required to form a two-thirds majority government.
Conversely, spreading resources evenly across all 73 seats, including those with historically low support or strong opposition, could dilute efforts,resources, and diminish the chances of securing enough seats to command a majority to form the state government.
For GRS, contesting in 50 seats is a prudent, tactical choice.
They need only 37 seats to form the state government independently, with any seats above this serving as a bonus.
This targeted strategy maximizes resource efficiency and enhances the likelihood of forming a successful government, rather than risking fragmented victories in all 73 seats that may not translate into a controlling majority.
It is, therefore, a realistic and effective approach for GRS to prioritize their 50 strongest constituencies, ensuring they can meet the critical threshold needed to govern Sabah successfully.
Rumah kita, kita jaga.
