PH-GRS electoral talks still ongoing, says Ewon
KOTA KINABALU (Aug 16): Discussions are still ongoing between Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sabah and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) for the coming state elections, said PH Sabah chairman Datuk Ewon Benedick.
Ewon said he does not wish to make any premature announcements before discussions are concluded, and will issue a statement once they are finalised.
'Allow us to discuss among ourselves — PH and other components or pacts,' he told reporters after officiating the UDA with BizFrancis Pernas Carnival at Buhavan Square in Penampang.
The Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (Kuskop) Minister added that he is currently focusing on his ministerial duties rather than politics.
'The election is not here yet. Until the State Assembly is dissolved, I will focus on my work in this ministry.
Regarding the rest, I will continue discussions,' he said.
Ewon was responding to questions about a possible PH-GRS electoral pact, following a statement by GRS secretary-general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Ewon said the UDA Carnival has been one of the main platforms for reaching out to the community and supporting local entrepreneurs.
He noted that this year's collaboration with Pernas through the BizFrancais programme reflects their joint commitment to strengthening the support network for entrepreneurs.
The BizFrancais programme, organised by Pernas since 2019, aims to promote the franchise industry and provide exposure to franchise opportunities in the country. It also creates opportunities for franchisors and aspiring franchisees to build brands, secure financing, and access training and guidance.
Through initiatives such as BIT and Xcelerator, local entrepreneurs can develop their brands more sustainably and competitively, he added.
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