Kota Kinabalu: The ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is ready for any scenario, including contesting on its own if necessary – this is the stand of several GRS components following the decision by Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional to collaborate in the coming state election.
PBS Vice President Datuk Ruslan Muharam said the decision by BN and PH to limit cooperation to themselves could actually strengthen GRS as a coalition comprising truly local parties.
The Lumadan Asssemblyman said the grassroots actually desire only Sabah parties to lead Sabah, just like in Sarawak.
“We at the local party level have no issue as there is a desire for only local parties in the state election. Besides, we are not the ones rejecting the cooperation.
“The people have seen it work in Sarawak, as well as Sabah’s lagging development and leakages in our rights, including lack of balanced allocations that Sabah should receive.”
Ruslan believed Sabah PH is more inclined to work with GRS due to their existing strong ties in the current GRS-PH Plus State Government.
“We see Sabah PH leaders are more comfortable working with GRS, but they may have to abide by the central leadership’s decision.
“This also means Sabah PH and BN Sabah do not have full autonomy as claimed but controlled by their leadership in Putrajaya. There were discussions between GRS and Sabah PH, but Sabah PH has no autonomy… they want to work with GRS but must comply with Federal decisions,” he said.
Parti Bersatu Sabah Youth Chief, Christoper Mandut welcomed the readiness by Chief Minister cum GRS Chairman, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, to contest solo should BN and PH decide that would be best.
This would mean an election battle where the opposing coalitions for control over Sabah would be decided by either one led by peninsula-based parties or that by 100 per cent Sabah parties.
“Hajiji also stated that GRS will focus on collaborating with other local parties that share the same goals and direction in order to face PRN17 in a more organised manner.
“This (State) coalition is led by experienced and visionary figures. I believe the Chief Minister and the entire GRS leadership have solid strategies to defend this coalition and to ensure political stability in Sabah is preserved,” he said in a statement, Saturday.
“We aspire to achieve a stable and competitive administration, as demonstrated in Sarawak, and I believe Sabah can realise this aspiration through the strength and unity of GRS,” Christoper said.
Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Datuk Chin Su Phin praised Hajiji’s readiness for GRS to contest on its own in line with the unwavering commitment to prioritise Sabah’s rights, identity and local governance.
“The idea of Sabah being led by local parties is not merely political strategy, it is a necessity rooted in the aspirations, culture and realities unique to the people of this state.
“Sabahans have consistently voiced their desire for homegrown leadership, one that understands and fights for their everyday needs without compromise,” he said.
He said LDP believes in a Sabah that stands tall, not in defiance of the Federal Government, but in defence of its rightful autonomy and development agenda.
“We will always support a path that ensures political stability and empowers our people economically and socially,” he said in a statement.
Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Tanjung Keramat Youth Division Chief Burhanuddin Yahya Hussin said the State Government should be led by a local party to ensure the interests and future of its people.
“GRS stands by the principle that Sabah’s leadership must come from its own people, who truly understand local needs and aspirations,” he said.
He also urged voters, particularly youths, to back local parties committed to safeguarding Sabah’s future.
Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (PHRS) Sec-Gen Christy Chok Lee Lui said the decision by PH and BN aligns with the aspirations and wishes of the people of Sabah of being led by local parties.
“This is the dream of Sabah people. We can be self-reliant through our own efforts. The decision of other parties to cooperate is their right.
