Kota Kinabalu: There is room for discussions between the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition and the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional (PH-BN) coalition regarding potential cooperation in the coming state election.
Sabah PKR Chief Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said although PH and BN in Sabah support the formalisation of their election alliance, he believes local parties should also be given space in the process.
Mustapha, who is also Sepanggar Member of Parliament, assured that Sabah PH leaders were included in top-level discussions and decisions.
“We understand GRS’ desire to lead the State Government. That is their aspiration, and we can respect that.
“However, we should avoid unnecessary conflicts that could result in vote-splitting. We are still open to cooperation with GRS,” he told reporters after officiating an education expo and industry networking event at North Borneo University College, here, Saturday.
Mustapha added that there may be an opportunity for discussions between PH Chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and GRS Chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor at an event in Tawau today (Sunday).
Hajiji had said GRS might contest the election independently if PH joins forces with BN. He previously felt PH should not be sidelined, saying peninsula-based parties’ contribution to Sabah cannot be overlooked.
However, hardliners within GRS notably Usno (Tan Sri Pandikar Amin), SAPP (Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee) and Star (Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan) preferred GRS to contest all 73 State Assembly seats.
However, Mustapha hoped for early dialogue, aligning with the Prime Minister’s aim of maintaining unity within the Federal Government — ideally extending that unity to the State level.
“If GRS decides to go solo, that’s their choice. We are ready for any outcome, including tough competition. That’s politics — while we try to avoid clashes, we are prepared to face them if they arise.
“Ultimately, the people of Sabah will decide,” he said.
He reminded that the finalised PH-BN election pact also comprised local parties, such as United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation in PH and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) in BN.
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