KOTA KINABALU: Sabah PKR says that the state Barisan Nasional should repair relations with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) to avoid putting Sabah Pakatan Harapan in a difficult position ahead of the 17th state election in September.
Sabah PKR information chief Razeef Rakimin, in a statement on Monday (April 14), welcomed Sabah Barisan’s decision to collaborate with Sabah Pakatan.
He described it as a positive step in facing the upcoming state polls as partners in the unity government.
“We believe this is a good decision by Barisan to join forces with Pakatan for the state election as part of the unity government. Sabah PKR and Pakatan have always been open to such cooperation,” said Razeef.
He said that while one informal meeting had occurred between Sabah Pakatan and the state Barisan, any partnership moving forward must avoid internal discord among unity government partners.
“In our view, Barisan must reconcile with GRS. Friction between the two could place Pakatan in a tough spot and potentially disrupt campaign machinery during the election,” he said.
Razeef added that Barisan can play a meaningful role in helping the Sabah government drive development.
“At the same time, this does not prevent Barisan from acting as a check and balance within the state administration.
“What matters is how Barisan, Pakatan, and GRS can work together to develop Sabah, similar to what the Unity Government is doing at the federal level. The key priorities remain economic growth, infrastructure, and public welfare,” he added.
Razeef also said that Sabah PKR, exercising its autonomy, would hold discussions with Pakatan component parties to determine the most suitable strategic partners.
“This will help advance the reform agenda in line with Malaysia Madani,” he said.
Responding to Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin’s claim that several informal meetings had taken place with Sabah Pakatan leaders, Razeef clarified that only one meeting occurred in November last year.
“To date, there has been no official discussion between Sabah Barisan and Sabah Pakatan, only that single informal meeting,” he said.
On Sunday (April 13), Bung Moktar, who is also Sabah Barisan chairman, announced the coalition’s decision to cooperate with Sabah Pakatan in facing the upcoming state election.
He claimed that several informal meetings had taken place between Sabah Umno and Pakatan leaders.
While confirming the partnership with Pakatan, Bung Moktar said Sabah Barisan was also open to working with any party committed to Sabah’s progress.
When asked which party they were eyeing, he replied: “You guess.”
He also confirmed that seat negotiations are still underway, with priority given to winnable candidates, but hinted they aim to retain the 41 seats contested in the previous state election.
The Lamag assemblyman, who will defend his seat in the coming polls, stressed that their principles are guided by the people’s interest.
“If we fail to deliver, the people will reject us. Our aim is to win, and if we do, we must keep our word,” he said.
