Barisan Nasional (BN) is taking a realistic approach by considering the current political landscape and the coalition’s support from the grassroots in deciding not to contest all 73 seats in the state assembly at the upcoming Sabah polls, analysts say.
Bilcher Bala of Universiti Malaysia Sabah said the decision reflected BN‘s awareness of its decline in support since the last state election.
“BN only won 14 of the 73 state assembly seats, far fewer than when it was dominant, before 2018.
“This indicates a decline in support among Sabahans for BN, particularly Umno, which was once the dominant party in the state,” he told FMT.
Of the 14 seats BN had won, six were lost due to defections.
BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said on Saturday that the coalition would not contest all 73 seats.
However, he said Umno and BN had identified a number of seats suitable for contest – more than the 14 won in the 2020 state election, including newly created constituencies.
Zahid said BN’s decision also reflected its efforts to coordinate with Pakatan Harapan (PH).
“It is necessary to avoid clashes among coalition partners, which could split votes and give an advantage to opponents.
“If seat allocations are not finalised outright, the risk of clashes remains and could affect the coalition’s chances of winning,” he said.
He said BN would also work with a “third force” in Sabah to ensure that voters in the contested seats lean towards BN candidates. However, he did not elaborate on which parties would be involved.
Bilcher praised BN’s approach of prioritising ties with a third force, which he said likely referred to local parties that have a better understanding of Sabah’s dynamics as well as influence in the state.
Meanwhile, Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia said BN’s move reflected a strategy aimed at concentrating its efforts and resources on winnable seats.
She said BN’s decision was also to maintain its cooperation with PH.
“I am confident that they will finalise a fair seat allocation between BN and PH,” she said.
The term of the current Sabah assembly expires on Nov 11, unless it is dissolved earlier. After that, an election must be held within 60 days.
