Why might East Malaysian blocs remain with Anwar?

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East Malaysian Blocs Likely to Remain with Unity Government Due to Strategic Advantages

East Malaysian political blocs, specifically Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), are likely to continue their support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's unity government even if Umno were to withdraw. This is primarily because these blocs have become increasingly autonomous and see remaining with Anwar as a means to secure greater policy concessions for Sabah and Sarawak. Their historical emphasis on regional autonomy aligns with the current government's agenda of fulfilling the Malaysia Agreement 1963, making continued political alignment a strategic choice for the remainder of the parliamentary term.
Continued Autonomy and Leverage

The political entities from East Malaysia, namely GPS and GRS, have evolved to a point where they operate with significant autonomy. Their continued participation in the unity government under Anwar provides them with a platform to exert more influence and secure favourable policy outcomes for their respective states. This leverage is crucial for advancing their long-standing demands for regional autonomy, a key priority for parties in Sabah and Sarawak.
Alignment with Malaysia Agreement 1963 Agenda

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has placed the fulfillment of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 as a central tenet of his government's agenda. This commitment directly resonates with the core interests of East Malaysian political blocs, who have historically championed the rights and autonomy enshrined within this agreement. The government's focus on this aspect strengthens the rationale for GPS and GRS to maintain their political partnership.
Maintaining Political Stability and Term Completion

Analysts suggest that the East Malaysian blocs would likely prefer to maintain their current political arrangement with Anwar's administration until the end of its term. This preference stems from a desire for continued political stability and the potential to achieve their policy objectives. Defecting from the unity government without immediate cause would likely be counterproductive to these goals, especially given the benefits derived from the current alignment.
Hypothetical Scenario of Umno's Withdrawal

In a hypothetical scenario where Umno withdraws its support, the Anwar government's parliamentary majority would be reduced. However, the crucial factor for its survival would be the continued backing of GPS and GRS. Should these East Malaysian blocs remain aligned, the government would still possess a sufficient number of seats to govern, underscoring the significance of their support in maintaining political equilibrium.

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Why might East Malaysian blocs remain with Anwar?

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