In a controversial development, Datuk Ibrahim Linggam, the Deputy President of the National Sabah Organization (Usno), revealed that the party's decision to withdraw from the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) alliance was not made unanimously. This statement was made during a press conference held in Kota Kinabalu, where he pointed out that the decision made by the party president, Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, was rushed and did not represent the perspectives of the broader party leadership.
Ibrahim emphasized that many party members opposed the withdrawal from the ruling coalition, noting that the decision was made without sufficient consideration of its impact on party members. He also denied claims that the decision was made unanimously by the party's supreme executive council.
Details of the Event
Ibrahim clarified that the supreme executive council of Usno consists of 37 members, but only 18 attended the meeting held on April 22, 2026. He considered the assertion that the decision was made unanimously to be inaccurate. He pointed out that many members who were absent from the meeting did not support the idea of withdrawing from GRS.
He also expressed support from several Usno leaders for the alliance, particularly for Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, who serves as the GRS chairman and Chief Minister of Sabah. He confirmed that Pandikar Amin's decision to resign is a personal decision in his capacity as the deputy chairman of GRS under Usno's quota.
Background & Context
The National Sabah Organization was established in 1961 and is one of the major political parties in the Malaysian state of Sabah. It has played a pivotal role in local politics, striving to enhance the rights of Sabah's residents and promote development in the region. In recent years, Sabah has witnessed significant changes in political alliances, leading to the emergence of new coalitions such as GRS.
GRS is considered a coalition comprising several political parties, formed with the aim of promoting political stability in Sabah. However, withdrawing from this coalition may affect Usno's ability to influence local politics, especially in light of the economic and social challenges facing the state.
Impact & Consequences
Usno's withdrawal from GRS could lead to the disintegration of the coalition, potentially opening the door for other parties to strengthen their positions. This division may also impact the stability of the local government and escalate political tensions in Sabah.
Furthermore, this decision may reflect on the relationships between different political parties, complicating the political landscape in the region. It is crucial that internal differences are addressed democratically to ensure the continuity of effective political alliances.
Regional Significance
Although this news pertains to Malaysian affairs, it highlights the importance of political alliances in fostering stability. In the Arab world, many countries have experienced similar political transformations, where alliances play a crucial role in shaping governments. Understanding how to manage these alliances can provide valuable lessons for Arab nations facing similar political challenges.
In conclusion, there is hope that the National Sabah Organization can overcome this internal crisis and strengthen its unity, contributing to the development of Sabah and serving the interests of its residents.