By Datuk James Ligunjang J P
Ex Assemblyman For Petagas
The idea of local parties managing Sabah’s affairs is, in principle, a good one.
HOWEVER, the current political landscape, both nationally and domestically, does not allow Sabah to govern effectively in isolation.
While the aspiration of a purely Sabah-based party leading the state is appealing, it is also misleading.
Time has changed, and the political dynamics have changed too.
If Sabahans are not careful, such an approach could prove detrimental to Sabahans and the state’s future.
We must be pragmatic rather than emotional about the announcement by Shafie that Warisan is going solo.
Unlike Sarawak’s Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), which operates in a vastly different political environment, PBB leads the GPS.
Unlike PBB, Warisan lacks the political experience, strategic advantage, and stability necessary to effectively govern and advocate for Sabah’s interests.
While Sabah has faced a more fragmented and volatile political landscape, Sarawak has enjoyed long-term political stability since the era of Tun Rahman Ya’kub and Tun Pehin Sri Taib Mahmud, continuing under the leadership of the late Tan Sri Adenan Satem and now Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
This continuity has enabled Sarawak to secure better deals with Putrajaya and gain greater autonomy.
Sabah, however, requires strong alignment with the Federal Government to ensure continued development and progress.
Sabahans must not be deceived. Talk is cheap. Sabah cannot afford to be politically isolated.
Aligning with the Federal Government is crucial to securing the resources, infrastructure, and investments needed for the state’s growth.
Warisan’s arrogance in rejecting cooperation with PH in Sabah risks sidelining the state from national policymaking, weakening its bargaining power, and ultimately stalling its development.
Pragmatic collaboration with the Federal Government is essential to unlocking better economic opportunities, improving infrastructure, and strengthening political representation.
It is worth remembering that after the 2018 general election, Warisan itself allied with PH, and in doing so, its leaders secured ministerial positions.
GRS is now taking the same approach, working with PH and prioritizing engagement over isolation as the best way forward.
Furthermore, Sabahans must acknowledge that no single political party can secure a simple majority and govern the state alone. Thus, Warisan’s announcement of going solo is a deception to mislead Sabahans.
The state’s diverse and dynamic political landscape necessitates a collaborative approach.
The formation of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) should be seen as a step toward greater political stability and local empowerment.
Regardless of how it began, GRS has since evolved into a coalition of purely local-based parties comprising PGRS, PBS, STAR, USNO, PCS, LDP, and SAPP, all committed to advancing Sabah’s interests.
GRS represents a significant step toward building a truly Sabah-centric coalition that balances local governance with federal collaboration.
Unlike fragmented opposition movements that risk political isolation, GRS provides the stability and strategic leverage necessary for Sabah to negotiate better terms with the Federal Government while safeguarding its autonomy.
Sabahans should fully support GRS as the coalition best positioned to secure the state’s future.
With unity, stability, and strategic alignment, Sabah can strengthen its role within Malaysia, ensuring sustainable development, economic growth, and greater political representation.
