
DAP should prioritise urban constituencies over rural ones in the upcoming Sabah state election to avoid friction with its ally Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), analysts said.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s Bilcher Bala warned that contesting seats held by GRS incumbents – many of which are in rural areas – could lead to strained Pakatan Harapan-GRS ties.
He cited a joint proposal by the Tenom branches of DAP and PKR to nominate former Tenom MP Noorita Sual for Kemabong — a seat long held by Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah vice-president Rubin Balang — as a potential flashpoint in the state election.
“Rubin is a well-rooted local figure, and any challenge against him may be seen as insensitive to local political dynamics,” Bilcher told FMT.
“If DAP contests against GRS incumbents, it could be perceived as a…