KOTA KINABALU: Senator, advisor to the state on foreign investments as well as international affairs, Labuan commander and now this, a Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) team player.
If there is any reason why Tan Sri Anifah Aman is entrusted with these tasks or positions, it's the fight he brings to his corner.
The president of Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS), that was recently enlisted as the eighth component of Sabah-based parties under GRS, comes with an illustrious background to prove his billing.
The Dewan Negara member, Labuan Corporation Chairman and Special Advisor to the Chief Minister of Sabah Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor on International Relations and Foreign Investments, will bring a fresh take on the GRS bid to defend their ground in the 17th state election due next year.
A successful businessman and multiple cup winning football team manager before making his mark as a statesman, politics in Sabah just moved a notch with Anifah in the fray, against the opposition and even among allies.
Staving off challenges from opposing parties and alliances will likely be the main obstacle but a formula to share the 73-seat at stake will also likely be a hurdle for GRS in the coming polls.
Other parties in the coalition are Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, Parti Bersatu Sabah, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku, Sabah Progressive Party, United Sabah National Organisation, Liberal Democratic Party and Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Borneo Geopolitics electoral studies lecturer Dr Syahruddin Awang Ahmad said PCS, with Anifah at the helm, will have some form of impact and pull in new supporters.
It may not be comprehensive, but it will have a surprising effect on the Sabah political landscape, he said, adding, Anifah's character and experience will likely attract the interest of a group of voters among fence-sitters and former supporters of his old party in favor of GRS.
"PCS failed to attract the attention of the voters in the 2020 election edition but, Anifah may have learned something from the defeat and is now trying to rise with the status quo by using strong influence and support by GRS.
"There is a possibility that Anifah will use a new tactic in the PCS campaign with GRS through the Sabah First slogan, where he may highlight new faces to bet on as candidates to face opposition," Syahruddin said.
UMS political analyst Associate Professor Dr. Lee Kuok Tiung said the acceptance of PCS will only strengthen and add value to GRS as a local Sabah political coalition.
"At the same time, it reflects the leadership of GRS that succeeded in uniting local parties under one umbrella. Each party has its own strengths and mentioning the name of Tan Sri Anifah Aman is definitely synonymous with the Kimanis parliament," he added.
