Bilcher Bala of Universiti Malaysia Sabah said Leiking’s lack of a legislative position makes him vulnerable to being challenged by rising leaders who currently hold state or federal seats.
“His failure to defend the Penampang parliamentary seat in the 2022 general election, coupled with his decision not to defend the Moyog state seat last year, has theoretically reduced his influence as a ‘heavyweight’ with a direct mandate from the people,” Bilcher told FMT.
Leiking failed to secure a third term as Penampang MP, losing to Upko’s Ewon Benedick who won with a convincing 14,410-vote majority. At the state polls in November, he opted against defending the Moyog state assembly seat, which he won in 2020 with a comfortable majority of 5,935 votes.
His decision may have proven to be a shrewd call, as the seat was won by Upko deputy president Donald Peter Mojuntin, who defeated Warisan vice-president Terrence Siambun by 2,618 votes.
Bilcher said Leiking’s role as a key representative of the Kadazandusun Murut community in Warisan could help him retain support among delegates.
“His standing as a symbol of the community’s support for Warisan may be a saving grace, with delegates likely to choose to retain him as deputy president to maintain a balance in ethnic representation.”
Lee Kuok Tiung, also of UMS, said Leiking was still an important bridge to the community, which Warisan still struggles to woo at the ballot box.
Leiking’s father, Marcel, is a former Inanam assemblyman and leads the Kadazan Society of Sabah.
On Wednesday, Warisan president Shafie Apdal said the party planned to hold its internal elections in July or August. He has been leading the party since its inception in 2016, with Leiking serving as his deputy since then as well.
More Chinese leaders to emerge in Warisan
Lee largely expected continuity in the leadership of Warisan, with a “gentleman’s agreement” to be reached to allow Shafie and Leiking to retain their posts.
However, he also foresees more Chinese leaders emerging in Warisan’s leadership, especially after the party gained major ground in urban areas at last year’s state polls. After capturing seats formerly held by DAP, “there may be a push to promote more Chinese leaders,” he said.
Warisan wrested all six seats won by DAP in 2020, ending DAP’s presence in the state assembly. Warisan’s most senior Chinese leader is vice-president Junz Wong, the three-term Tanjung Aru assemblyman who used to be in DAP.
Bilcher said he expected Warisan’s leadership to remain dominated by existing figures, for the sake of stability, but the party needs to bring in new faces, from the youth and young women’s wings, to avoid stagnation and remain competitive, given the rumours of a snap national general election.
“This transition is important to ensure the party remains relevant in attracting young and professional voters,” he said.