Langkah henti sokong GRS berisiko bagi KDM, kata penganalisis

The Democratic Reform Party (KDM) faces significant challenges ahead, whether it remains allied with the Sabah People's United Party (GRS) or withdraws its support, according to analysts. While withdrawing support may provide KDM with a slight advantage, analysts view it as a risky maneuver. KDM could gain the freedom to choose contested seats during the upcoming election, but they are expected to lose various benefits as a coalition partner in government.

Lee Kuok Tiung and Syahruddin Awang Ahmad, from the University of Malaysia Sabah, argue that KDM has limited political influence, as it holds only two parliamentary seats and one Dewan Undangan Negeri seat. Leading up to the 2016 general election, the party had few leverage options if it continued to support GRS. Lee anticipates intense competition, particularly in Kadazandusun Murut-majority areas, which are also targeted by the party.

"KDM faces a high risk of being overlooked because it has never been a coalition member," he told FMT. Past support was deemed insignificant, even though KDM later declared its support for the GRS-led Sabah government after the 2017 general election, it still ranked low in the district allocation list. Wetrom Bahanda and Riduan Rubin, who currently represent KDM parliamentary seats in Kota Marudu and Tenom, respectively, may face difficulties if they remain loyal to GRS.

They may lose opportunities to contest in key constituencies such as Tenom, Marudu, Kudat, Tuaran, and Keningau.