GRS likely to maintain electoral pact with Sabah Pakatan in upcoming state election
Chief Minister and GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor confirmed discussions with stakeholders, including Prime Minister and Pakatan Harapan chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, emphasizing continued cooperation with both state and federal governments.
"We will make the best decision for Sabah because, for us, political stability is key," Hajiji said at a scholarship presentation in Kota Kinabalu on Monday (July 21).
Hajiji, also Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah president, prioritizes stability over electoral victory and indicated GRS's intent to contest the majority of the 73 state seats. Seat negotiations are ongoing, but Hajiji insists GRS must lead by contesting most constituencies.
While Hajiji supports continued collaboration with Sabah Pakatan, grassroots pressure for GRS to go solo has intensified, particularly after a joint convention by Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Sabah STAR, where chants of "solo" highlighted support for state-based governance without national coalition reliance.
This sentiment reflects long-standing frustrations among Sabahans towards federal leaders and peninsula-based parties, who are accused of sidelining local concerns. Tensions are further fueled by Sabah Umno's involvement in the federal government.
Accusations against them attempting to unseat Hajiji's administration last year led to a significant rift between parties.
Gagasan Rakyat is set to hold a three-day convention this weekend, seen as pivotal for mobilising the party's machinery in anticipation of a potential snap election. "This convention is important as we will be facing the state election any time," Hajiji noted.
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