Warisan pact's 26-seat bid faces test on the ground, say analysts

KOTA KINABALU: Parti Warisan's plan for the upcoming general election could broaden its electoral reach, but its success will depend on whether voters support the pact on the ground.

The party, led by president and former Sabah chief minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, plans to contest all 26 parliamentary seats in Sabah and Labuan with the backing of Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM) and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star).

Universiti Teknologi Mara political analyst Tony Paridi Bagang described the proposed pact as an effort to consolidate local parties into a stronger electoral bloc.

"I see this as a strategic move to consolidate local parties into a stronger, more competitive bloc.

"The Warisan-KDM-Star pact is likely to mount a strong challenge in the general election, particularly in Kadazandusun Murut constituencies, where Warisan has struggled and where Star and KDM have grassroots support.

"If the pact can win more seats than it currently holds, it could become a decisive force in forming the next federal government, especially if no coalition secures a clear majority," he told the NST.

However, Tony said the pact's success would depend on whether supporters of the three parties were willing to vote for one another's candidates.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah political analyst Associate Professor Dr Lee Kuok Tiung said the cooperation with KDM and Star could help Warisan address some of its weaknesses in Kadazandusun Murut-majority seats.

"While their party has grown, other parties, particularly Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, have also strengthened. This will create fierce competition.

"Another factor to consider is that voting patterns for state and parliamentary seats often differ," he said.

In last year's 17th Sabah state election, Warisan, which contested independently, won 25 of the 73 state seats. KDM won Paginatan, while Star secured Tambunan and Bingkor.

Warisan currently holds three parliamentary seats, namely, Semporna, Kota Belud and Lahad Datu. KDM holds Kota Marudu, while Star holds Keningau.