GRS is still in the game, says Anwar on political cooperation for Sabah polls
TAWAU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is not out of the picture yet when it comes to political cooperation, despite the recent alliance between Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional, according to PH chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar said he had just discussed the matter with Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, during which they talked about continuing collaboration between Pakatan and GRS.
"I thank Hajiji for his views that the collaboration between GRS and PH should be enhanced. As for the negotiation between GRS and Barisan, if they want to work together, I leave it to GRS and BN. However, for us in PH, we agree to leave the matter to Sabah, led by Hajiji, to negotiate and find a solution moving forward.
'Because what is important for us is that Sabah's condition is stable and is able to work with the federal government,' he said when met by reporters at the Tawau Airport after he attended the Sabah PKR State Leadership Council meeting on Sunday (May 11).
When asked if he believes that GRS, Pakatan, and Barisan could collaborate in the state election, Anwar stated that he could only speak on behalf of Pakatan, and he remains optimistic.
'I also see that Hajiji's attitude is very positive, while we have also discussed with PH and they think the same. The rest of it, I leave it for them to vote,' he said.
Anwar was in Tawau for the Program Madani Rakyat. Earlier, he made a courtesy visit to Sabah Head of State Tun Musa Aman during lunch.
Last Friday, Pakatan and Barisan announced their agreement to cooperate for the upcoming Sabah state election.
In a joint statement, Pakatan secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Unity Government Secretariat chief Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the decision was reached during a top leadership meeting involving Anwar and BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on May 8.
Following this, Hajiji said GRS would contest solo in the state election if Pakatan and Barisan proceed with their collaboration.
'It is essential that the Sabah government remains led by local parties that understand the aspirations of the people. Straying from this principle would risk ignoring the voices of many Sabahans," Hajiji said in a statement on May 9.
GRS consists of eight parties, including Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, Parti Bersatu Sabah, Sabah Progressive Party, Sabah Star, United Sabah National Organisation, Parti Cinta Sabah, Liberal Democratic Party and Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah. Meanwhile, Sabah Pakatan has four parties — United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation, PKR, DAP and Amanah.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
15 hours ago
- Borneo Post
GRS machinery fully prepared for State Election - Hajiji
Hajiji TUARAN (June 7): Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is fully prepared to face the 17th state election, said its chairman, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Hajiji, who is also the Chief Minister, said GRS has conducted a series of training sessions across constituencies and state assembly areas to strengthen the coalition's election machinery ahead of the polls. 'Clearly, GRS is ready. We have established our election machinery and conducted several rounds of training in preparation. 'However, discussions on seat allocations have yet to take place,' he told reporters after officiating the Aidiladha sacrificial ritual at the Tuaran District Police Headquarters on Saturday. Also present were Sabah Minister of Rural Development, Datuk Jahid Jahim; Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai; and Tuaran Police Chief, Supt Noraidin Ag Maidin. The Sabah Legislative Assembly will automatically dissolve on Nov 11, ending the five-year term that began with its official opening by Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin on Nov 12, 2020, paving the way for the 17th state election. Commenting on the cooperation with Barisan Nasional (BN) for the upcoming election, Hajiji said GRS remains open to discussions with the party's leaders. 'The last time I met the BN chairman (Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) was before the fasting month. While political matters were discussed, there have been no further talks on collaboration or related issues since then. 'There is no issue with meeting; I have great respect for all friends, especially the BN chairman, and we are very open on this matter,' he said. However, he said any party-related matters, including the 17th state election and potential cooperation with other parties, must first be discussed with the GRS Supreme Council before any decisions are made. On Thursday, Hajiji said the GRS Supreme Council will be meeting soon to chart their direction for the 17th state election. He said the meeting would discuss on potential partners, seat allocations and other relevant matters.
The Star
15 hours ago
- The Star
GRS intensifies preparations for 17th Sabah state polls
KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has intensified its preparations for the 17th state election (PRN17), with comprehensive training sessions for its machinery conducted across all constituencies and state assembly areas. GRS chairman Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, who is also GRS chairman, said the coalition's election machinery is now fully activated, with grassroots-level training playing a key role in ensuring readiness. 'GRS is clearly prepared. We have set up our election machinery and carried out multiple training sessions to ensure every constituency is ready for the upcoming election,' he said. Speaking at the 2025 Ibadah Qurban Programme at the Tuaran district police headquarters on Saturday (June 7), Hajiji noted that discussions on seat allocations have yet to be held. He also confirmed that he had met with Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi before Ramadan to discuss potential political cooperation. 'We had a discussion before Ramadan (around February), but no final decision was made. 'Any decision on possible cooperation must be referred to the GRS supreme council before we move forward,' he said. In conjunction with the Aidiladha celebration, Hajiji expressed hope that the occasion would encourage a deeper sense of unity and sacrifice among Malaysians, especially Muslims. 'Aidiladha is not just about the ritual of animal sacrifice, it also teaches us values like cooperation, tolerance, and willingness to make sacrifices for the greater good. 'This means prioritising unity and working together for a better future for Sabah's diverse communities,' he said. Earlier in the day, Hajiji joined around 1,000 worshippers for Aidiladha prayers at Masjid Haji Noor in Kampung Serusop. He was accompanied by state Rural Development Minister Datuk Jahid Jahim, state Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau, and Pantai Dalit assemblyman Datuk Jasnih Daya. Together, they symbolically handed over sacrificial cattle to Tuaran OCPD Supt Noraidin Ag Maidin.
Free Malaysia Today
15 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
GRS fully prepared for state election, says Hajiji
GRS chairman Hajiji Noor said the coalition remains open to talks on cooperation with BN. (Bernama pic) TUARAN : Gabungan Rakyat Sabah is fully prepared to face the upcoming state election, said its chairman, Hajiji Noor. Hajiji, who is also the chief minister, said GRS has conducted a series of training sessions across constituencies to strengthen the coalition's election machinery ahead of the polls. 'Clearly, GRS is ready. We have established our election machinery and conducted several rounds of training in preparation (for the election). 'However, discussions on seat allocations have yet to take place,' he told reporters after officiating the Aidiladha sacrificial ritual at the Tuaran police headquarters today. The state legislative assembly will automatically dissolve on Nov 11, ending its five-year term beginning on Nov 12, 2020, paving the way for the 17th state election. On cooperation with Barisan Nasional for the polls, Hajiji said GRS remains open to discussions with the party's leaders. 'The last time I met the BN chairman (Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) was before the fasting month. While political matters were discussed, there have been no further talks on collaboration or related issues since then. 'There is no issue with meeting (BN). I have great respect for all friends, especially the BN chairman, and we are very open on this matter,' he said. However, he said any party-related matters, including the state election and potential cooperation with other parties, must first be discussed with the GRS Supreme Council before any decisions are made.
