KDM’s withdrawal from GRS risks loss of power, say analysts

KUALA LUMPUR, 19 AUGUST 2026 —

Analysts warn Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat’s (KDM) decision to withdraw support for the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government carries high political risk despite potential gains.

“The chance of KDM being squeezed out is high given that it has never been a member of the coalition in the first place,” Lee told FMT. He noted that all six GRS parties will compete for Sabah’s 25 parliamentary seats in GE16, with Kadazandusun Murut strongholds such as Tenom, Kota Marudu and Keningau likely to be claimed by coalition components regardless of past support.

Wetrom Bahanda, KDM’s deputy president and MP for Kota Marudu, faces speculation of a switch to Barisan Nasional. The party’s only assemblyman, Rusdin Riman, has defied the withdrawal by continuing to back the state government, creating internal strain. Riduan Rubin, who holds the Tenom seat as an independent but is linked to KDM, adds to the party’s fragmented position.

Syahruddin expects the move to backfire, stripping KDM of state patronage, resources and administrative influence. “Most major Sabah players will view KDM as a junior partner demanding disproportionate concessions with only one parliamentary seat,” he said. Internal friction and public embarrassment are likely, while Rusdin’s defiance leaves the party politically marginalised.

Lee said the Warisan-STAR alliance KDM is exploring is not binding, giving the party room to negotiate elsewhere before GE16. Yet Sabah’s split voting patterns—backing local parties in state polls and national parties in general elections—complicate the strategy. “KDM has lost access to state allocations and influence while risking contests alone if negotiations fail,” he warned.

Syahruddin anticipates KDM will eventually form multi-party pacts, aiming to maximise electoral chances and back whichever federal coalition wins. “A seat-sharing agreement remains its only viable survival mechanism,” he added.