Leave GRS if you feel belittled, Usno told

Borneo Post

30-04-2025

Rafie
KOTA KINABALU (April 30): United Sabah National Organisation (Usno) should leave Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) if they feel been belittled, said Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) today.
Gagasan Rakyat Bingkor Deputy Division Chief Rafie Robert and Kiulu Deputy Chief Datuk George Teo said ahead of the 17th State Election, unity among GRS components is key to victory.
'But, if you are dissatisfied … don't force yourself to stay … just leave. If your intentions are no longer aligned with GRS, the time has come for you to open the exit door. This coalition was not built to serve anyone's personal desires or interests, but that of the rakyat,' said Rafie.
George
Both Rafie and George were responding to Usno President Tan Sri Pandikar Amin's statement that the party may be forced to contest solo in the upcoming State election which must be held by this November if it continues to be belittled and sidelined within the GRS coalition.
Rafie said: 'This country is a democratic one and anyone is free to leave and contest on their own or sleep with GRS' political enemies, whichever that makes them happy or boost their egos.
'Should any party or individual feel misaligned with the coalition's direction, they are at liberty to depart. Democracy permits freedom of association, but it does not condone internal subversion or disloyalty.
'As the election drew closer, some leaders who have been playing dumb the past four years are suddenly coming up with threats and demands.
'Where has that voice been for the past four years? asked Rafie.
He said GRS was established on the principles of mutual trust and shared responsibilities. It is a coalition formed through consensus, not coercion or intimidation.
In the 2020 State Election, all Usno candidates were unsuccessful, including Pandikar, who lost the Pintasan seat to a younger opponent he had previously dismissed as inexperienced.
'Despite these outcomes, Chief Minister cum GRS Chairman Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Noor extended an olive branch, offering Usno positions within the State administration as a gesture of unity,' said Rafie.
'If dissatisfaction persists, it is more honourable to exit the coalition than to foster discord from within. Feigning unity while harbouring dissent undermines the coalition's integrity. This alliance was not formed to serve individual ambitions but to collectively advance Sabah's interests,' he said.
Rafie said it was ironic to note that within Usno, there appears to be a concentration of power, with key positions held tightly by its leadership.
'This raises concerns about the party's internal democratic practices. I'm not trying to interfere in Usno's affairs but advocating for fairness within GRS while not practicing it themselves presents a contradiction.
'Sabah's political landscape has often been marred by personal ambitions, overshadowing collective progress. GRS was envisioned as a platform for leaders committed to grassroots development and public service, not as a stage for political theatrics.
'True leadership is demonstrated during challenging times. Those who remain steadfast in adversity are the ones who earn the public's trust. Conversely, those who retreat or sow discord when their expectations are unmet, reveal their true priorities, he said.
Rafie said over the past four years, Usno has benefited from its association with GRS, enjoying the privileges and platforms it offers.
'However, recent actions suggest a shift in allegiance, raising questions about the party's commitment to the coalition's objectives.
'For the continued unity and effectiveness of GRS, it is imperative to address any internal dissonance decisively. The coalition's foundation rests on collective effort and mutual respect. Any attempts to destabilise it from within must be confronted to preserve its integrity and purpose, he added.
Meanwhile, George said after Usno was rejected in the last State election, it was Hajiji who gave Usno, especially Pandikar a lifeline by accepting the party into the GRS fold and appointing Pandikar as the Tanjung Aru Eco Development Sdn Bhd (TAED) chairman .
'However, Pandikar seems to have a short memory. Instead of being grateful to GRS and Hajiji, he is now pulling out the dagger with threats and demands.
'If Usno feel suffocated in the coalition, please leave and make yourself happy. No one will stop Usno from contesting all 73 state seats available.
'Even if Gagasan Rakyat is to go into the battlefield with its loyal component partner together with PH or any other coalitions, let it be then,' he said.
'In any coalition, no one single party can ever get what they want. It's all about coming to a consensus and making sacrifices for the bigger interest of GRS … not personal glory or satisfactions. If Usno can't do that, it is not worth to be a partner. GRS is not worried about the enemy outside but those from within.
'So, the ball is now on the feet of those who feel belittled … toe the line or get lost,' said George.
He said stabbing GRS from the back would not do anyone any good.
'Usno should not get angry or felt belittled for not getting what they want but instead look for their happiness somewhere else. But having said that, the grass is not always greener on the other side,' said George.
'Usno should stop this dangerous game. You want to go, please go now … no one will beg you to stay but do not remain just to destroy the coalition for your own benefit,' he said.
Pandikar said during Usno's Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house in Sandakan that his party may break away from GRS and contest the upcoming state election independently if the party continues to be sidelined.
He expressed frustration over what he called a dismissive attitude from some GRS leaders, who have questioned Usno's right to demand seats despite its grassroots efforts.