KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Barisan Nasional component party leaders are not surprised by the result of the Permatang Pauh by-election and doubt it will have any impact on the state's political scene.

United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation secretary-general Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's victory did not come as a surprise although the majority by which he won was unexpected.

"I think he not only got the Malay votes, but also received an extra boost from the non-Malays with the help of Gerakan members.

"This may mean that the non-Malay BN component parties can no longer pull in votes.

"Even if SAPP (Sabah Progressive Party) defects, they (Pakatan Rakyat) would only have two more parliamentary seats and that isn't enough to form a new government.


"I don't think you will see a huge upset in Sabah."

Liberal Democratic Party president Datuk V.K. Liew said Anwar's victory reflected the maturity of democracy in the country.

"Despite the majority, his win is confined to the local situation in Permatang Pauh.

"To me, it will not trigger any crossover to the opposition, especially among the Sabah BN MPs who are steadfast in their struggles with the coalition.

"His dream to form the Federal Government on Sept 16 will remain just a dream."



Parti Bersatu Sabah information chief Johny Mositun said Anwar's victory would spur BN, especially in Sabah, to work harder.

"We also hope that the other component parties will relook the issue of power-sharing and the rebranding of BN and ensure that it is adhered to."

Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah president Tan Sri Joseph Kurup said Anwar had used his oratory skills to influence the voters and that Permatang Pauh was a safe seat for him.

"His increased majority will not by itself be enough to entice Sabah MPs to jump ship.

"This is because his win has not changed the equation between the number of BN MPs and the number of opposition MPs in Parliament.

"He will no doubt add some 'glamour' to the opposition. But they (Pakatan Rakyat) will remain the opposition and this is not a factor that will instigate Sabah MPs to switch camps."