A failing Umno-Warisan collaboration; difficult to work out

Below is a paper sighted by Borneo Herald, outlining a proposal, most likely from a party that wants to see Warisan and Umno work together, to defeat the GRS+PH Sabah state government at the impending state election. This, however, was shot down by Warisan's information chief, Azis Zaman, who claimed his party will not collaborate with Umno for the election. The paper cannot be said though as a possible co-operation between BN and Warisan. At best it is between Umno and Warisan only as BN's other component parties like PBRS and MCA are not in the equation. This, however could serve as a guideline as to where Umno is very keen to contest, and hopes Warisan to give way.. Editor

Key Points and Facts:

1. BN Sabah and Warisan Negotiation:

Both parties are in discussions to reach a compromise for 50 out of 73 state assembly seats in the upcoming Sabah state election (PRN Sabah).

The discussion involves a quid pro quo strategy where they will not contest against each other in these selected seats.

2. Status of the Negotiation:

As of February, BN Sabah Chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin and Warisan President Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal have held multiple meetings.

Both parties conducted separate research and studies to evaluate their winning chances.

It is not an official alliance but rather a political compromise to strengthen both parties' positions in the election.

3. Nature of the Compromise:

No joint campaign or manifesto will be involved.

Supporters of both parties in the agreed-upon seats will be encouraged to vote for the mutually selected candidate.

In the remaining 23 seats, both parties are free to contest without compromise.

4. Seat Distribution in the Discussion:

The 50 seats are expected to be split roughly 25-30 seats for UMNO and 25-30 seats for Warisan.

UMNO’s Proposal:

Warisan should give way in 25 seats, including 14 seats won by BN Sabah in the last PRN and 11 seats currently held by Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (GAGASAN), which were previously won by Bersatu or independents.

BN does not want to cooperate with GAGASAN, as the party wants to contest in seats where BN’s elected representatives switched allegiance to GAGASAN.

5. BN’s 14 Seats Won in the Last PRN:

N.02 Bengkoka (Harun Durabi)

N.09 Tempasuk (Mohd Arshad bin Bistari)

N.10 Usukan (Datuk Salleh Said Keruak)

N.13 Pantai Dalit (Jasnih Daya)

N.16 Karambunai (Datuk Yakub Khan)

N.24 Tanjung Keramat (Ir Shahelmey Yahya)

N.29 Pantai Manis (Mohd Tamin bin Zainal)

N.48 Sugut (Datuk James Ratib)

N.51 Sungai Manila (Mokran Ingkat)

N.52 Sungai Sibuga (Hj Mohamad Hamsan)

N.58 Lamag (Datuk Bung Moktar Radin)

N.59 Sukau (Datuk Jafry Arifin)

N.67 Balung (Hamild @Hamid Awang)

N.71 Tanjung Batu (Andi Muhammad Suryady)

6. UMNO’s Concerns with GAGASAN:

GAGASAN wants to field candidates in BN's previously won seats, including Sugut, Pantai Dalit, Tempasuk, and Balung.

GAGASAN is also pushing for BN to nominate Ir Shahelmey in Tanjung Keramat, despite him being suspended from UMNO.

7. BN’s Proposed 11 Additional Seats Where Warisan Should Not Contest:

Pitas

Pintasan

Paginatan

Liawan

Klias

Nabawan

Labuk

Apas

Kuala Penyu

Kemabong

Kuamut

8. BN’s Offer in Return:

BN/UMNO will not contest in 26 seats won by Warisan in the last PRN, including:

Banggi, Darau, Likas, Luyang, Tanjung Aru, Petagas, Kepayan, Moyog, Limbahau, Bongawan, Sindumin, Melalap, Sekong, Karamunting, Elopura, Tanjung Papat, Tungku, Segama, Silam, Kunak, Sulabayan, Senallang, Bugaya, Sri Tanjong, Merotai, and Sebatik.

9. Controversy Over Two Key Seats:

Gum Gum and Kukusan are disputed areas where BN lost by 269 votes and 10 votes to Warisan, respectively.

BN is keen on contesting these seats as they consider them their traditional strongholds.

Summary:

BN Sabah and Warisan are negotiating a seat-sharing deal in 50 out of 73 state assembly constituencies.

The agreement would prevent direct competition in these seats while not forming an official coalition.

BN wants Warisan to give way in 25 seats, while BN would reciprocate by not contesting in 26 Warisan-held seats.

There are disagreements over certain constituencies, including Gum Gum and Kukusan.

The deal excludes GAGASAN, reflecting BN’s reluctance to cooperate with them.

This compromise, if successful, could significantly impact the political landscape in the upcoming PRN Sabah.