KOTA KINABALU: Any rash decision taken by an opposition elected representative to quit his or her party in support of the current government will amount to political suicide.
Dr Romzi Ationg of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) said such a move would do no good for their political career, as no party would be interested in nominating them as a candidate in the next election.
Voters might view a ship jumping politician as a betrayer and would no longer put their trust in such persons, he said.
"Nevertheless, these politicians may gain an opportunity to get development funds for their voters due to such a decision. This then provides them with an opportunity to bring development to their constituency," he said.
The UMS senior lecturer was commenting on Sebatik assemblyman Hassan A Gani Pg Amir, who on Feb 25 quit Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan), to support the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Hassan cited Warisan's focus on politicking rather than serving the people as the reason behind him leaving the party.
Hassan also expressed disappointment when Warisan rejected Budget 2021 in Parliament.
Following Hassan's resignation, rumours emerged that more elected representatives from Warisan and its allied parties would make a similar jump.
However, Warisan assemblymen, who were speculated to be among those expected to support GRS, were fast to deny the rumours.
They include Assaffal Alian (Tungku), Mohammad Mohamarin (Banggi), Ben Chong (Tanjong Kapor), and Nurazlina Arin (Kunak).
In this regard, Romzi said it is too early to foresee where the loyalty of party members lies and for the time being, it amounts to a "wait and see game".
"As for Hassan's reasoning, he can say anything to justify his decision. Let's hope the decision is good not only for him but also for the people of Sabah, and specifically for the people of Sebatik," he said.
Given that the GRS is the ruling party, Romzi said the coalition's strength lies in its ability to have access to government machinery.
"Also, it is important to stress the significant role played by some mature leaders, who do not react to issues easily. This is among the strengths of the current government.
"On the part of Warisan, I would prefer to say that its strength is focused on Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal's ability to get political support from some federal leaders as well as maintaining grassroots support from various areas in Sabah," he opined.
Nevertheless, the latest political development suggests that the influence of Warisan Plus is declining due to several factors, including the uneasy relationship between Warisan and PKR.
He explained that leaders of both parties seem to disagree on various issues, especially after PKR leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim decided to back the 2021 Budget.
"Still, many hope that leaders of both parties, as well as Warisan Plus and GRS, would be able to deal with political uncertainty here in Sabah by focusing on improving people's wellbeing," he said.