Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the ruling coalition, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-Pakatan Harapan Plus (GRS-PH Plus), will determine its own political alliances ahead of the coming state election.
He said any decision regarding seat distribution or electoral cooperation would be made within the coalition, without external pressure.
“This is our State Government. We will decide which parties we want to work in the coming state election,” he said when asked about potential collaboration with Barisan Nasional (BN), PAS, or other political parties.
Hajiji said discussions would begin soon among the component parties of GRS-PH Plus to finalise seat allocations.
“We will have talks in the near future to decide the allocation of seats we intend to contest,” he said after attending a Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house hosted by Sabah Energy Corporation (SEC) at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).
When pressed on whether the “Plus” in the coalition name includes parties outside of GRS and PH, Hajiji affirmed:
“Yes, it includes them.”
He emphasised that any political cooperation would be strategic and made ahead of the polls — not just post-election arrangements to form a government.
“Before facing the state election, we must have a coalition beyond GRS and PH, as is the case in the current government,” Hajiji said.
He said the main priority is to ensure continued political stability in Sabah, adding the ruling coalition remains open to any collaboration that serves the best interests of the State.
“We are always open to opportunities that can strengthen political cooperation in Sabah. The goal is to establish and maintain a stable government,” he said.
On the potential impact of the new United State (US) tariffs, Hajiji said the State Cabinet discussed the matter.
“Based on the report I received, Sabah is unlikely to be significantly affected — less than one per cent,” he said.
Hajiji expressed appreciation for the festive spirit shown during the Hari Raya celebrations, noting that events hosted by government agencies and departments have helped enhance unity and harmony among the people.
At the same event, Hajiji witnessed the handing over of a dividend payment of RM18 million from SEC to the State Government, a contribution of RM500,000 to the Sabah Welfare Foundation and a 2024 Business Zakat payment of RM198,536 to the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (Muis).
The ceremony was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ir.Shahelmey Yahya, State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, SEC Chairman Datuk Annuar Ayub and SEC Chief Executive Officer Datuk Adzmir Abd Rahman.
