THE recent announcement of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) alliance with Barisan Nasional (BN) for the upcoming Sabah state elections has generated widespread speculation and concern among local communities and political analysts.
This collaboration, seemingly orchestrated by these Malayan parties without prior consultation with their Sabah-based ally, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), signifies a notable shift in Sabah’s complex political landscape. While some interpret this as a strategic move to bolster influence, others view it as a potential threat to Sabah’s autonomy and regional authority.
At its core, this alliance appears driven by an intent to consolidate political power in Sabah and influence the electoral outcome in favour of a federal-aligned government. By contesting more seats than in previous elections, these parties aim to marginalise Sabah-based local parties and dominate the formation of the state government – potentially installing a compliant chief minister or a puppet leader subservient to federal interests.
Furthermore, this development may be a subtle attempt to weaken Sabah’s autonomous powers as outlined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
Historically, Sabah has enjoyed a degree of self-governance owing to its unique status. However, increased collaboration and rivalry with federal-aligned parties could threaten this independence. Critics warn that such alliances could be exploited to exert direct influence over local governance, gradually eroding Sabah’s regional identity in favour of national interests.
Many local leaders and observers fear that this strategy may be a political trap – crafted by Malayan interests to dominate Sabah’s political landscape. The danger lies in manipulating Sabah’s sovereignty, transforming the electoral contest into an extension of broader Malayan political dominance.
In these critical moments, vigilance from Sabah’s leadership, communities, and civil society is vital. It is essential to scrutinise the long-term implications of these alliances to ensure Sabah’s voice remains strong and autonomous, rather than being sidelined in a wider federal power play. True regional representation must honour Sabah’s autonomy – a principle that should not be compromised for political expediency.
As Sabah navigates this complex electoral terrain, the key question remains: will these strategic alliances genuinely serve the interests of Sabahans, or are they merely tools in a broader agenda of Malayan consolidation? The outcome depends on the resilience and awareness of Sabah’s leaders and citizens alike.
Malayan leaders aim to prevent Sabahans from following Sarawak’s path, where federal influence has diminished significantly.
Rumah kita, kita jaga. – May 20, 2025
Datuk J. Ligunjang JP or James Ligunjang is a former Sabah assemblyman