Politics

'BN sending signal to GRS that it could contest polls on its own'

KOTA KINABALU: Barisan Nasional (BN) will contest on its own if the coalition can no longer work with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).

Over the weekend, BN leaders had criticised GRS parties and leaders at a state convention.

BN leaders had highlighted Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia's waning support and that the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president was crazy and ungrateful for linking BN to the issuance of identity cards to illegal immigrants in the state.

Sabah UiTM lecturer and political observer Tony Paridi Bagang said the criticism from BN leaders was a wake-up call for GRS.

"BN is sending a signal to GRS that it is ready and will rival the latter in case the GRS-BN pact doesn't work out for the 15th general election.

"BN is a national coalition. It is a well-established brand. It won't be a surprise if BN goes it on its own if it can't work with GRS."

However, Tony said it was too early to conclude that both coalitions would not work together in the election.

Yesterday, GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said its ties with BN were intact and that having differences was normal in politics.

Tony said such statements might create conflict.

As for the IC claim raised by PBS president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili at the party congress, Tony said it was not something new.

"PBS has been vocal on this issue. It's not a new thing as it is one of the party's (core) struggles.

"It was just reminding Sabahans that it has been vocal (on the matter) since its inception."

Asked whether PBS would gain support for raising the IC issue, Tony said there were many factors that needed to be considered.

He said this included the presence of other parties, such as Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) and United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation, who were also vocal about the IC issue.

Most Popular
Related Article
Says Stories