Leadership question looms over proposed Warisan-STAR-KDM pact?

At Warisan's recent general assembly, party president Shafie Apdal suggested forming a potential pact with Jeffrey Kitingan's STAR and KDM, currently led by Priscilla Peter. However, an analyst warns that this proposed alliance could face significant hurdles, particularly concerning leadership and seat allocation within the coalition.

Arvin Tarjari, the analyst, stated that resolving these issues before the 16th general election (GE16) is crucial. He noted that competition for the alliance's top position is likely, given the strong backgrounds and influence of the parties' respective leaders. Shafie, a former Umno vice-president and Sabah chief minister, may have an edge in securing the leadership role due to his extensive political experience and Warisan's robust representation in Parliament and Sabah's state assembly.

According to Arvin, Shafie should ideally lead the pact, with Kitingan's STAR contributing to garnering KDMR support, particularly in Sabah's west coast. STAR's deputy president, Lawrence Gimbang, and KDM acting president Priscilla Peter, the daughter of KDM's founder, were present at the assembly. Priscilla, whose father served as Warisan's vice-president, is expected to play a key role in appealing to the KDMR voters.

Analyst Lee Kuok Tiung emphasized that seat negotiation would be the most critical aspect of this potential alliance, as all three parties seek to attract the same pool of voters. STAR and KDM both enjoy support among Kadazandusun Murut Rungus (KDMR) voters, but Warisan also maintains a presence in the community, as evidenced by the Penampang parliamentary seat held by its deputy president, Darell Leiking.

The KDMR community constitutes the majority of voters in several key parliamentary constituencies, including Kota Marudu (KDM), Keningau (STAR), Tuaran and Penampang (Warisan), Ranau (GRS), Tenom (independent), and Pensiangan (BN). However, Lee pointed out that there may also be competition for Chinese-majority urban seats, particularly after Warisan's strong performance in the recent Sabah state election.

The STAR grassroots are likely to push for the party to contest in urban seats as well, given their past rivalry with other parties. Lee stressed that the parties would need to actively persuade their respective grassroots supporters to accept the alliance, given their history of competing against one another.