BARISAN Nasional has lost some 10% share of the popular vote to Perikatan Nasional, said a survey of voter sentiments in Sabah.

According to Society Empowerment and Economic Development (SEEDS) chairman Dr Arnold Puyok, PN has benefited greatly from the Sabah polls campaign in terms of political visibility, even in far flung rural areas. 

“The implication of this is the decision of BN, PN and Parti Bersatu Sabah to slug it out in 17 seats, which will heavily split the votes and give the advantage to their opponents,” said Puyok in a statement today. 

This is SEEDS’ second survey of voter sentiments in Sabah after its first survey conducted from August 4 to 31.

But Puyok said there was not much shift in terms of support for Warisan Plus and other third force contenders in terms of popular vote share. 

“But in BN majority seats, BN has lost 7% and PN has gained 10%.”

PN’s gain was through BN and Warisan Plus, he added.

“In BN marginal seats, BN lost its voter inclination share substantially by more than 10%, whereas PN gained 13%.

“Local-based parties also gained almost 5% share of voter inclination in these marginal seats,” Puyok said.

“In Warisan Plus marginal seats, BN has lost its voter inclination share substantially by more than 20% while PN gained more than 10%. However, Warisan Plus has managed to capture the larger share of voter inclination by 15%.” 

According to Puyok, the top three issues that may influence voters tomorrow are infrastructural development as well as state and federal government performance. 

“Issues of party-hopping and the Philippines claim to Sabah were found to be less salient. PN was, however, viewed more favourably compared to Warisan Plus in terms of the handling of the Covid-19 crisis.” 

But SEEDS said there is still no clear winner in sight. 

“The second survey shows Gabungan Rakyat Sabah – comprising PN, BN and PBS – leading, with Warisan Plus trailing. Compared to the first survey, the inclination of support to local parties has increased to 15.9% (from 7.8%),” said the Sabah think-tank. 

SEEDS conducted the second survey by interviewing 1,138 stratified respondents from September 21 to 24. The margin of error was placed at 3%. 

SEEDS’ first survey showed a strong inclination towards Warisan and its allies, although the government was not popular.

The first survey also found Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and the PN government to be hugely popular. – September 25, 2020.