Latest news with #SabahPakatanHarapan
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
GRS likely to maintain electoral pact with Sabah Pakatan in upcoming state election
KOTA KINABALU: Despite growing grassroots calls for Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) to contest solo, the coalition is expected to retain its electoral pact with Sabah Pakatan Harapan for the upcoming 17th 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.
New Straits Times
05-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Sabah PH to introduce structured political appointment system
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) is proposing a structured system to ensure fair distribution of political appointments based on the strength of its component parties. State PKR chief Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said the framework would cover appointments at all levels, from government-linked companies to community leaders, with the goal of strengthening unity within the coalition. "We also want to emphasise that the coalition aims to avoid internal dissatisfaction by establishing a clear and transparent framework for political appointments. "We want to ensure that no party feels sidelined. "There must be a fair formula for how positions are allocated if we are to govern together effectively," said the deputy higher education minister after handing over offer letters to a student at Kampung Warisan here. Mustapha said the structured appointment system would form part of the manifesto to be jointly drafted by PKR, DAP, Upko and Amanah within PH. He added that PH is currently working on a joint manifesto for the upcoming Sabah state election. He said the manifesto would reflect the coalition's commitment to addressing longstanding issues affecting the people of Sabah. "Among the key issues will be the 40 per cent net revenue entitlement under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63)," he said. Addressing recent reports of dissatisfaction among PKR grassroots members in Peninsular Malaysia, Mustapha downplayed the concerns, describing them as "exaggerated". "Support for the party president remains strong, especially here in Sabah. Our president is currently touring various states. "From what we've seen, support for him is still solid. I also believe the Prime Minister's popularity in the state remains high." Mustapha acknowledged that internal party elections may have caused some discontent, but said most members had moved on. "There were some who were unhappy during the party polls, but for the most part, members have moved on.
Daily Express
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Prime Minister's decision is wise and timely, says Upko
Published on: Thursday, June 05, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 05, 2025 Text Size: Joseph said this approach of strategic autonomy would not strengthen the party machinery and allow component parties to discuss seat sharing and cooperation in the field. Kota Kinabalu: The Prime Minister's decision to let Sabah Pakatan Harapan take the lead in facing the coming state election is a wise and timely move, says Upko. Its Youth Chief Felix Joseph Saang said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent statement asking Sabah Pakatan to take the lead in electoral pact negotiations, among other matters, showed his confidence in the political maturity and capability of the coalition's state leaders. The decision to have Datuk Ewon Benedick leading these negotiations also acknowledges the need to let local leaders strategise based on Sabah's political realities and sentiments, he added in a statement Wednesday. On Thursday (May 29), Anwar had said Sabah Pakatan would take charge of discussing seat arrangements, forging pacts and other matters related to the state polls. Joseph said this approach of strategic autonomy would not strengthen the party machinery and allow component parties to discuss seat sharing and cooperation in the field. 'Sabah has different, complex political backgrounds and, therefore, the decision to allow us to have full (authority) in the coming state election enables us to draw up a more inclusive, localised and focused strategy,' he said. He said the main focus was on Sabah's development, strengthening the State and giving more attention to local issues, including rural development, poverty and state rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Joseph said Ewon would be able to lead the way in forming strategic partnerships among coalitions. He said youth leaders within Sabah Pakatan will also support all initiatives and plans agreed upon by the leadership while going to the grassroots and actively sharing information on development agendas, policies and related matters. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
'Strategic autonomy' for Sabah Pakatan in state polls a timely move, says Upko leader
KOTA KINABALU: The Prime Minister's decision to let Sabah Pakatan Harapan take the lead in facing the coming state election is a wise and timely move, says Upko. Its Youth chief Felix Joseph Saang said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent statement asking Sabah Pakatan to take the lead in electoral pact negotiations, among other matters, showed his confidence in the political maturity and capability of the coalition's state leaders. The decision to have Datuk Ewon Benedick leading these negotiations also acknowledges the need to let local leaders strategise based on Sabah's political realities and sentiments, he added in a statement on Wednesday (June 4). ALSO READ: All Pakatan matters on Sabah polls to be handled at state level, says Anwar On Thursday (May 29), Anwar had said Sabah Pakatan would take charge of discussing seat arrangements, forging pacts and other matters related to the state polls. Joseph said this approach of strategic autonomy would not strengthen the party machinery and allow component parties to discuss seat sharing and cooperation in the field. 'Sabah has different, complex political backgrounds and therefore, the decision to allow us to have full (authority) in the coming state election enables us to draw up a more inclusive, localised and focused strategy,' he said. ALSO READ: Anwar meets Sabah PKR leaders amid political shifts He said the main focus was on Sabah's development, strengthening the state and giving more attention to local issues, including rural development, poverty and state rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Joseph said Ewon would be able to lead the way in forming strategic partnerships among coalitions. He said youth leaders within Sabah Pakatan will also support all initiatives and plans agreed upon by the leadership while going to the grassroots and actively sharing information on development agendas, policies and related matters.
New Straits Times
29-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Anwar urges stronger Federal-Sabah ties built on trust
KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised the need for stronger federal-state relations with Sabah, built on mutual trust and cooperation, to enhance development and protect the welfare of its people. Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, urged Sabah to follow Sarawak's example, where closer federal-state collaboration has yielded tangible benefits. He reiterated Putrajaya's commitment to working with Sabah's leadership on governance and development, ensuring that the state's interests and wellbeing remain a priority. "The federal government has long prioritised Sabah's needs. This isn't about state elections, it's about responsibility," he said after meeting Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders on Thursday night. Anwar reaffirmed that the federal government's concern for Sabah goes beyond electoral considerations. Also present at the meeting were Sabah PH chairman Datuk Ewon Benedick, who is also UPKO president, PKR Sabah state leadership council chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmu, and Sabah DAP chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe. Anwar highlighted his administration's commitment to upholding the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) through a dedicated committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, alongside ministers from Sabah and Sarawak. He said that nine longstanding issues related to MA63 had been successfully resolved, while even complex matters such as oil affairs had been addressed. "We propose the same principle so that assured revenue for Sabah can be achieved. Governance must be prioritised, not personal wealth," Anwar stressed. Anwar underscored the federal government's success in repelling the Sulu group's claim, affirming its commitment to protecting Sabah's sovereignty. "We gave our full commitment in the Cabinet meeting, and even at the recent Asean summit, ensuring Sabah's issues remain a priority," he said. Regarding the Sabah State Election (PRN), Anwar—who is also PH chairman—said Sabah PH is engaged in discussions with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN).
