Kota Kinabalu: CHIEF Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who is also Chairman of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), clarified that the decision to work with Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the coming 17th State election was made collectively.
He said all GRS component party leaders were consulted before finalising the move, countering claims that the agreement was made without consulting component parties.
Hajiji addressed the matter following speculation that the cooperation was his sole initiative, which he firmly denied.
He explained that discussions within the GRS leadership led to the decision, in line with their practice of consensus-based decision-making.
“We have already discussed this. In GRS, all party presidents are involved in making decisions,” he said.
Last Sunday, the Chief Minister announced that GRS and PH had agreed to work together in PRN17 to reinforce the existing State Government.
GRS comprises Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) which Hajiji is the President, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star), Sabah Progresssive Party (SAPP), United Sabah National Organisation (Usno), Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (Harapan Rakyat), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS).
Sabah PH comprises Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Democratic Action Party (DAP), United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) and Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah).
Meanwhile, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Secretary-General Datuk Julita Majungki said the decision to work with PH was collectively agreed upon by GRS component parties.
She explained that the decision emerged from meetings between Hajiji and the presidents of the component parties, including PBS acting President Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
“This is on the basis that GRS would be the dominant partner as discussed and decided in the meetings. PBS also concurs with GRS Chairman Hajiji’s statement that GRS would be working with PH in the coming state election,” she said in a statement.
The current five-year term of the 16th State Assembly will expire automatically on Nov 11, paving the way for the 17th State Election.
Meanwhile, Julita clarified that PBS has not endorsed any individuals as candidates for the coming state election at this juncture, stressing that any statement claiming PBS has named or supports particular individuals does not represent the party’s official stance.
“The process of identifying and finalising potential candidates is still ongoing and will be decided collectively by the PBS leadership, with official announcements to be made through proper channels,” she said.
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