BEAUFORT: The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is a major political coalition in Sabah that should not be underestimated, as it represents the voices of the people from diverse backgrounds and areas.
Lumadan Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah Division Chief, Mazlan Joehari Manan, said GRS, as a “large vessel”, is the threshold of political stability and aspirations of Sabahans who seek sustainable development and greater autonomy.
“GRS is a leading political coalition in this region that should not be dismissed by any party because we comprehensively represent the pulse of Sabah’s people.
“GRS is not just an ordinary coalition, it is a mature union and a manifestation of Sabahans’ voices demanding progress, stability and justice.
“We are not a minor voice... we are the mainstream voice. This coalition is a ‘large vessel’ carrying the hopes and future of this region.
“Most importantly, GRS holds autonomous power as a major local coalition compared to others,” he said in a statement here, last Sunday.
He said this in reaction to GRS Chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor’s statement affirming GRS’ readiness to contest solo in the 17th State election following the decision of Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) to cooperate in the election.
However, Sabah Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Chief Datuk Mustapha Sakmud recently indicated that there is still room for discussion on potential cooperation between GRS and the PH-BN coalition.
When asked about the possibility of GRS collaborating with PH-BN following Mustapha’s statement, Mazlan said anything is possible but stressed that as Sabah’s leading coalition, GRS must remain dominant.
Mazlan, who is also Special Officer to the Chief Minister, said GRS should contest more than half of the 73 State Legislative Assembly seats if such cooperation materialises.
“Whatever form the political cooperation takes, GRS must dominate seat allocation in the upcoming election and dominate in fighting for the people’s rights through the Sabah state government.
“Personally, I believe GRS should contest at least 50 out of the 73 State seats if it intends to cooperate. But if no negotiations take place, we are prepared to go solo in the state election,” he said.
