Kota Kinabalu: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sabah reacted with joy over confirmation of continued cooperation between GRS and PH in the coming State election, describing it as a positive step for the State.
Its head Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said it is good news for Sabah and the people. “I thank our Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor for upholding the spirit of cooperation between GRS and PH.
“As a PH leader, I welcome such cooperation. Its good news for Sabah,” he said.
“The next step is to discuss seat allocation with PGRS in particular. We will sit down with them. Hopefully, we can iron things out and allocate seats accordingly,” he said.
It is understood that the coalition is eyeing around 23 to 25 state seats.
Earlier, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah said it would continue its political cooperation with Pakatan Harapan.
GRS Chairman cum Chief Minister Hajiji said all component parties in GRS had agreed to join forces with PH following discussions.
“We continue the (political) cooperation that stands today between GRS and PH for the coming PRN17,” he said.
Hajiji, who is Gagasan Rakyat President, said a formula (on seats distribution) has been worked out between the two ruling coalitions but not yet finalised, as few more things need to be sorted out.
The GRS-PH collaboration was born following the last national election when GRS leaders – who were then under Bersatu which was part of Perikatan Nasional – found themselves having to decide whether to be part of the new Federal Unity Government of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, or stay in the opposition led by PN’s Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
The Bersatu election winners soon went under the new GRS grouping. Hajiji said the move was also in line with the strong support GRS received from PH Sabah during the political crisis commonly referred to as the “Kinabalu Move” aimed at toppling Hajiji in early 2023.
Since then, he said, the GRS-PH collaboration brought political stability and progress to Sabah — benefits that justify preserving the alliance.
“Our deepest thanks go to the PH Sabah leaders,” said Hajiji who is also Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) President.
He also emphasized the importance of GRS as a strong coalition of local parties, striving to fulfil the aspirations of Sabahans who want primarily local-based parties to dominate state politics.
“GRS, born from the grassroots aspirations, will continue to promote mature and inclusive politics by embracing diversity, upholding consensus values and prioritising stability and progress for the state,” he said.
“PBS and Star, each with their own strengths and influence, are among the core contributors to the foundation and resilience of our political home GRS.
“It is no exaggeration to say that PBS and Star are not just pillars of strength for GRS, but also our close comrades who are always by our side offering support, insights, and advice, in line with their roles in the GRS-PH government,” he said.
He extended the same appreciation to other GRS component parties – Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), United Sabah National Organization (Usno), Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (PHRS), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS).
