Universiti Malaya (UM) socio-political analyst Awang Azman Pawi said GPS and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) may be “playing it safe” by not committing their coalitions to either side prior to the polls.

“I think they are being careful and taking into account the possibility that Perikatan Nasional (PN) could grow in strength after the state elections.

“Should the unity government fall, it would be easier for GPS to partner with PN,” he told FMT.

He was commenting after GPS chief whip Fadillah Yusof said the coalition will not be taking an active part in campaigning for the Aug 12 polls, despite being in Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government.

In June, Fadillah, a senior vice-president in GPS lynchpin Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), said there was a standing directive prohibiting the Sarawak coalition from participating in polls outside the Bornean state.

The deputy prime minister also said GPS wanted to remain neutral and focus on serving the people’s interests. However, GPS chairman Abang Johari Openg later said the coalition had yet to decide on the matter.

University of Tasmania’s James Chin said GPS’ “Sarawak first” ideology was a likely reason for GPS’ non-involvement in Peninsular Malaysian politics.

“They also don’t want to get involved because they used to work with PN and they were part of (PN chairman) Muhyiddin Yassin’s government as well, so there is no need to offend both sides.

“Staying neutral is the only option available to them,” he added.

However, Awang Azman said GPS was taking a gamble by staying away from the state elections.

“If PH and BN win big in the state polls and the next general election, it may impact the unity coalition’s ties with GPS. But until then, GPS will continue to be highly valued.

“GPS’ decision to stay away from campaigning in the polls will not be seen in the same light as Muda which is seen as being greedy, emotional and disloyal in wanting to contest in the state polls.”