Musa's campaign can influence Sabah polls outcome - Analysts

Former Sabah chief minister Tan Sri Musa Aman’s participation in the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) campaign rounds is seen as capable of helping to shape the state’s political landscape.

Analysts said Musa is a veteran politician who wields considerable influence and his presence could have a major impact on the outcome of the polls on Saturday.

Musa’s speeches are usually loaded with clarifications on various issues and this could sway votes, said the analysts.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) senior lecturer Dr Syahruddin Awang Ahmad said a person of Musa’s stature could fire up voters to maintain their support for GRS candidates.

“To a certain extent, Musa’s presence can motivate GRS candidates especially from Barisan Nasional (BN) to push supporters to stay with them,” he told Bernama.

GRS comprises BN, Perikatan Nasional (PN) and PBS.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) political researcher Dr Romzi Ationg said Musa, known as Sabah’s architect of development, is certainly capable of boosting the GRS campaign especially for BN and PN as he still has a band of loyal followers.

“His speeches and explanations at the GRS campaign stops can give an impact because he has contributed to Sabah and could influence voters to make the best decision in this election,” he added.

For Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sabah senior political lecturer Tony Paridi Bagang, Musa’s participation in the GRS campaign has quashed speculation that he wanted to retaliate against or sabotage the coalition for not fielding him in the polls.

“Musa’s presence on the campaign trail is a morale booster to the GRS machinery, apart from boosting their mutual energy and resources. It will also enhance ties between Musa’s camp and BN supporters,” he added.

Tony said Musa’s presence also proved that BN and PN could not afford to ignore him, as the man who had led Sabah for 15 years from 2003 still commands strong support.

Musa, who did not turn up at any nomination centre to file his candidacy on Sept 12, made a surprise appearance at an event officiated by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in Beaufort last Thursday.

The following day, Musa went to campaign for GRS candidates in Kiulu, Tamparuli, Sulaman and Pantai Dalit.

In his continuing campaign throughout Sabah, Musa also touched base with villagers by using poems which were his trademark during his tenure as chief minister.

On July 29, Musa, the incumbent Sungai Sibuga assemblyman, had rocked the Sabah political scene by claiming to have secured enough support from assemblymen to oust the state government of Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.

The following day, Mohd Shafie announced the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly, paving the way for the state election.

-- BERNAMA