00:00Upco's decision to apply to join Gabongan Rakyat Sabah is driven by the party's desire
00:06to boost its credibility in championing Sabah rights following its time with Pakatan Harapan,
00:13according to analysts.
00:15Bilcher Bala of University Malaysia Sabah said,
00:18Upco's past membership in PH created the perception that its struggles were confined
00:24within the national framework of a Malaya-based bloc.
00:30However, Bilcher said,
00:31Upco must prove its worth by bravely voicing issues related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963,
00:38the state's entitlement to revenue sharing, and other matters including state autonomy.
00:45Lee Kwok-teung, also of UMS, said,
00:48Upco's local branding could be strengthened by joining an alliance of local parties,
00:53a move he described as logical for its survival and relevance amid growing Sabah-first sentiment.
01:01Bilcher and Lee also said Upco's move to join GRS could complicate seat negotiations
01:07among existing component parties in future elections.
01:11Pan Yujo, FMT
Comments