Most Sabah Umno leaders back GRS-led govt, claims Hajiji

KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor claims that only Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin and a few leaders have withdrawn their support for the state government.

The GRS chairman said several Sabah Umno leaders support the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)-led state coalition government, which partnered with Sabah Pakatan Harapan following Bung's withdrawal in January 2023.

"It's unique in Sabah – the individual withdrawing from the government is Bung Moktar. The rest of Umno is still with the government," he said.

The Sabah Chief Minister said this while addressing reporters after the conclusion of the GRS women's wing action committee electoral briefing.

In response to a question about GRS's potential cooperation with other parties, including Umno, Hajiji said any decision on alliances will be made jointly with the GRS coalition's eight party partners.

"The GRS leaders will decide on cooperation later. I cannot speak on their behalf," he said, noting that the final decision will be made at the GRS supreme council meeting.

Several assemblymen, including Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya and state assistant minister Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy, remained with Hajiji after Sabah Umno left the coalition. Both have since been suspended by Umno.

Following the failed coup, some assemblymen joined Hajiji's Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat), while some incumbent Umno assistant ministers were kept on in the government by Hajiji.

Regarding seat distribution among GRS partners, Hajiji said that discussions will take place during the GRS supreme council meeting in November.

"We will discuss seat-sharing then. We don't have a working formula yet but there will be plenty of time to think about it after the meeting," he said.