Latest news with #UnitedSabahNationalOrganisation
Borneo Post
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Jeffrey backs Pandikar's claims of USNO marginalisation in GRS
Jeffrey KOTA KINABALU (May 5): United Sabah National Organisation (USNO) President Tan Sri Pandikar Amin's recent remarks on USNO's marginalisation within Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), the lack of internal consultation and the need to restore Sabah-based leadership are valid and consistent with the original objectives of GRS. 'This is exactly what Sabahans have been saying. They want genuine unity, local leadership and respect for all parties in the coalition as we head into the 17th State Election,' said Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) President Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan in a statement on Monday. Jeffrey who is also the Deputy Chairman of GRS, said he understands Pandikar's frustrations as President of USNO – a full component party in GRS, regardless of its current seat count. Referring to the Jelajah GRS event in Keningau, he confirmed there had been what appeared to be a 'gag order' issued by a junior officer attempting to restrict what party presidents could say. 'It gave the impression of 'hidden hands' at work. I personally had to persuade Tan Sri Pandikar to attend, assuring him I had no part in that order and believed his presence would demonstrate solidarity among party leaders,' he said. Jeffrey stressed that juniors, elected or not, should never be used to publicly criticise senior leaders. 'There are proper channels. The GRS Leadership Council must be the space for discussion, not social media. We need internal discipline and courtesy. 'We must not let factionalism damage the coalition. Every party in GRS has value. Respect must be mutual. Undermining others only weakens our position going into the election,' he said. He pointed out that GRS currently suffers from a trust deficit, worsened by whisper campaigns, poor communication and lack of structure. 'The solution is simple. We need regular leadership council meetings, open communication channels and a coalition culture based on consultation and mutual respect. 'Every component party must have a defined role or area of responsibility, even if they do not hold seats. No party should be decorative,' he said. Jeffrey also warned that GRS must not become like other coalitions dominated by a single party that calls all the shots. 'The GRS chairmanship should rotate among the presidents of component parties not remain under one party's control. That's the only way to build real trust and reflect the spirit of a Sabah-led coalition,' he said. Jeffrey said the coalition must also declare its stand on federal alignment ahead of the state election. 'We cannot leave voters guessing. Will GRS contest all 73 seats independently, or align with a national coalition? We must be honest and consistent. Sabahans are watching,' he said. He also renewed his long-standing call for a unity meeting. 'This meeting must involve not just GRS component, but all Sabah-based parties who believe in local leadership and autonomy. We need to talk. We owe Sabah that much. Unity is Duty. 'GRS was originally formed to unite all local parties. That spirit must be preserved. Sabahans want their leaders to stand together like Sarawak. That means mutual respect and staying true to our slogan 'Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga' in both policy and conduct,' he emphasised. He urged all leaders to look beyond positions and personalities to restore credibility in GRS. 'If we fail to address these issues now, we risk losing the very mandate the people have given us,' he concluded.
Borneo Post
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Leave GRS if you feel belittled, Usno told
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.
The Star
29-04-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Usno feels belittled within GRS, says president, warning it may be forced to contest solo
Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia delivering his speech during Usno's Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house in Sandakan. KOTA KINABALU: United Sabah National Organisation (Usno) has warned that it may be forced to contest solo in the upcoming state election if it continues to be belittled and sidelined within the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition. Party president Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia's unhappiness stems from what he described as a dismissive attitude by some leaders within GRS, who questioned Usno's right to demand seats despite the party's efforts to build grassroots support across Sabah. "I am not satisfied when I hear friends asking, how can Usno ask for seats when they claim we have no movement, no support on the ground," he said during the party's Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house in Sandakan recently. "We hope the top leadership of GRS will consider Usno, even though we are seen as a 'mosquito' party," he added. Pandikar warned that if the sidelining continued, Usno would have no choice but to contest independently. "In politics, there are conditions and possibilities. Like what (Datuk Seri) Dr Jeffrey (Kitingan) said, today we are friends, tomorrow we might be rivals. "It is not because Usno wants to contest solo, but because we are forced by the situation of being sidelined," he said. Pandikar also said that in today's political landscape, party branding mattered less than the ability to win seats. "Politics in Malaysia is no longer like before. Today, politics does not look at the party, does not look at anything. "As long as you have a seat, even if you are an independent, you can strengthen a group that becomes the chief minister. "It doesn't matter if the person knows nothing. What is valuable now is the number," he said. He said Usno's momentum would continue with more grassroots engagements planned across Semporna, Kota Kinabalu, Petagas, Tanjung Keramat, Banggi and Pitas. Pandikar also warned that political leaders must not underestimate the growing aspiration among younger voters for a Sarawak-style political model, where local parties dominate without external interference. "Voters today are not like five or 10 years ago. Before, if you wore a songkok and stood under the Barisan Nasional logo, you would win. Now, even big parties can lose to independents," he said. "If leaders misread this aspiration, we will be watering the seeds of rebellion," he added. Reflecting on internal dynamics within GRS, Pandikar said rivalry among parties was inevitable. "In a big group like GRS, we treat each other like siblings. But even among siblings, there is rivalry – rivalry to get the attention of the head of the family," he said. GRS currently comprises Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, Parti Bersatu Sabah, Homeland Solidarity Party, Usno, Sabah Progressive Party, Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah, Liberal Democratic Party and Parti Cinta Sabah. Usno, which officially joined GRS in May 2022, currently does not hold any state or federal seats in Sabah.
