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GRS-PH pact not finalised yet

GRS-PH pact not finalised yet

Borneo Post2 days ago
Mazlan (second left) inviting the public to enliven the upcoming Sabah Moto Day 2025.
KOTA KINABALU (Aug 5): A formal electoral pact between Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) for the upcoming state election has not been finalised, says Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Lumadan chief Datuk Mazlan Joehari Manan.
'We take into account views from all levels, from the grassroots to the leadership. What was stated by the GRS chairman reflects prior meetings among party presidents,' Mazlan said at a press conference on Tuesday, in conjunction with the upcoming Sabah Moto Day 2025.
He was referring to a July 27 remark by GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor during the Gagasan Rakyat annual general convention, where Hajiji said the current GRS-PH cooperation would continue.
Mazlan, however, clarified that no concrete decision has been made yet, noting that any formal pact must be jointly announced by both coalitions.
'There are differing opinions among GRS leaders and members, and their voices will be heard before any final decision is made. The grassroots need not worry – nothing is set in stone,' he said.
Mazlan emphasised the importance of maintaining the existing GRS-PH government for Sabah's continued harmony, stability, progress and good federal relations.
On electoral cooperation, he said seat distribution talks are ongoing and remain unofficial.
'But for us, regardless of who GRS partners with, our priority is to dominate the state election. As I've said before, we should aim to contest at least 50 seats,' he added.
Meanwhile, in his capacity as Sabah Anti-Narcotic Squad chairman, Mazlan announced that the eighth edition of Sabah Moto Day (SMD) will take place from August 16 to 17 at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) parade grounds.
The event is jointly organised by the Anti-Narcotic Squad and Kelab Dua Roda Bersatu (KDRB), aiming to unite youth and raise awareness on drug prevention.
'In addition to motorcycle exhibitions, there will be booths, anti-drug talks and a testimony from a former drug user,' he said, adding that they are targeting 60,000 visitors.
The event will be officiated by the Chief Minister on August 17.
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