Kota Kinabalu: Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor pointed out to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) components that it is no use wanting to contest in the coming Sabah election if they do not stand any chance of winning.
The Chief Minister said the ruling State coalition is open to fielding candidates from any of its component parties, provided they have the potential to win.
He said the coalition’s priority is to ensure its candidates can garner public support and secure victory for GRS.
“We have to ensure that if we field a candidate, they must be someone who can win. It doesn’t matter which party they come from; what matters is their ability to contribute to the coalition’s victory.
“So, if you demand seats but cannot guarantee a win, that will be a tough sell. We have to accept this reality,” he said.
His remarks come amid tensions within the coalition, particularly with component party Usno, which expressed dissatisfaction over feeling sidelined and threatened to leave the eight-party alliance to contest independently.
Usno president Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia claimed that some GRS leaders dismissed Usno’s right to demand seats despite its grassroots efforts.
It was reliably learnt that one component leader was also hoping to field his wife and son under the GRS banner.
Hajiji said negotiations over election alliances are ongoing within GRS and with its Unity Government partner, Pakatan Harapan (PH).
“Right now, the government is a GRS–PH government. In that context, we begin our discussions. But nothing has been finalised yet.
“The seat distribution among GRS components has not been resolved, and cooperation on seat allocation with PH is still under discussion.
“When the state assembly is dissolved, only athen can we announce that everything has been finalised,” he said.
Hajiji also held a meeting with all component party leaders in Sri Gaya on Wednesday and later released a statement accompanied by photos claiming that all was well within the coalition.
“Some may call it tension, but it’s not really tension — more like an exchange of views. We are continuously discussing the interests of our coalition, especially as we prepare for the next general election.
“If there are differences in opinion, that is normal in politics. What matters is that we remain united for the coalition’s and Sabah’s interests,” he said.
The last state election was held in September 2020, with the next state election expected later this year.
