PBS backs GRS on local parties leading Sabah
PETALING JAYA : Parti Bersatu Sabah said it fully supports the notion that local parties should lead the state government, amid talk of a possible tie-up between Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional.
PBS secretary-general Julita Majungki described GRS as the best and most proven platform to achieve this vision and that GRS should consider, 'if necessary, contesting the 17th state election independently'.
'This support is consistent with PBS's longstanding position since its founding: to champion the voices of Sabah people through leadership that is homegrown,' she said in a statement.
PBS, one of eight component members of GRS, holds seven of the 42 seats the coalition has in the state assembly.
GRS chairman Hajiji Noor last Friday said the coalition would go solo in the state election if PH and BN had finalised their electoral pact, adding that local Sabah parties should be the backbone and head of the state government.
But on Sunday, PH chairman Anwar Ibrahim said he was optimistic that the three coalitions would be able to reach an agreement for the state election.
Anwar, the prime minister, said Hajiji had his full support to lead discussions on an election pact among GRS, PH, and BN.
Hajiji, for his part, said the cooperation between GRS and Sabah PH had been smooth.
Majungki stressed that it was crucial to ensure that Sabah's future was shaped by the aspirations of its own people, with a strong emphasis on stability, efficiency and fairness in governance.
She said local parties possessed unique strengths, rooted in their deep understanding of Sabah's multicultural society, diverse geography and rich heritage.
'Local parties are born from the grassroots of the Sabah people. Leadership that is closely in touch with the pulse of the community enables policies to genuinely address the needs of the people. This is vital to ensure that development reaches every segment of society,' she added.
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