00:00DAP should prioritize urban constituencies over rural ones in the upcoming Sabah state election to avoid friction with its ally Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, analysts said.
00:12University Malaysia Sabah's Bilger Bala warned that contesting seats held by GRS incumbents, many of which are in rural areas, could strain Pakatan Harapan-GRS ties.
00:23He cited a joint proposal by the TNUM branches of DAP and PKR to nominate former TNUM MP Nurita Suwal for Kemabung, a seat long held by Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah Vice President Rubin Balang, as a potential flashpoint in the state election.
00:40Bilger said Rubin is a well-rooted local figure and any challenge against him may be seen as insensitive to local political dynamics.
00:48Last week, DAP said it is considering contesting at least two state constituencies in Sabah's interior as well as the Tanjong Aru seat, in line with its goal of contesting between 8 and 10 seats in the upcoming state election.
01:01Sharodin Awang Ahmad, a researcher with Borneo Geopolitics and Electoral Studies, said DAP cannot ignore rural constituencies if it hopes to strengthen its multiracial image, suggesting that the party target rural seats held by weaker incumbents or constituencies without direct clashes with GRS.
01:20Natasha Bust, FMT
Comments