SALMAN…A complex political landscape in Sabah. One hand is pushing away Malayan parties while the other is welcoming them.
KOTA KINABALU: The ongoing “Wayang Kulit” politics in Sabah has stirred considerable debate regarding the involvement of Malayan parties in the upcoming state election (PRN), which is anticipated to take place next year.
The controversy surrounding the Anti Parti Malaya issue has led to significant uproar, with some individuals making disparaging remarks about UMNO, labeling it as a “parti Malaya.”
There are even calls for Sabahans to reject UMNO or Barisan Nasional (BN) in the forthcoming PRN.
Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, the chairman of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, remains optimistic that the ruling coalition of GRS and Pakatan Harapan (PH) Plus will retain power after the next state election.
Hajiji expressed his confidence on Sunday, citing the current political climate in the state and the growing support from the people of Sabah for the state government.
Political observer Salman Nurillah interpreted Hajiji’s remarks as an implicit acknowledgment of PH’s role within the ruling coalition in Sabah.
However, he pointed out the contradiction, as PH consists of three Malayan parties—DAP, PKR, Amanah—alongside the local party UPKO, not to mention PAS.
“This creates a complex political landscape. It’s as if one hand is pushing away Malayan parties while the other is welcoming them,” he noted.
Salman emphasized that it is crucial to move away from this “wayang kulit” politics, stating that the people of Sabah, particularly the younger generation, can no longer be easily deceived.
He argued that if seasoned politicians want the local populace to reject Malayan parties like UMNO, they must first demonstrate their commitment by distancing themselves from Malayan parties such as DAP, PKR, and Amanah, which are all part of PH.
“They need to be sincere and transparent in their efforts, rather than turning a blind eye when Malayan parties support their local partners,” he added.
Salman believes that young voters will play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape and future during the upcoming PRN.
