KOTA KINABALU: Leaders in Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) must guard against internal rifts as the state approaches its next election, or risk weakening the coalition built on Sabah's political stability.
Parti Bersatu Sabah youth chief Christoper Mandut said recent remarks by Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia on United Sabah National Organisation’s (Usno) role in GRS should be taken in a constructive spirit, not as a source of division.
He stressed that GRS was formed by local parties after a turbulent period to restore political order in the state.
“As we draw closer to the state election, safeguarding this unity and strength must take precedence over creating grounds for division,” he said.
Mandut said that under the collective leadership of GRS component party presidents led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, a new political “home” has been built for Sabahans.
“This may not be as grand as the previous house we once shared, but it is founded on trust and solidarity among Sabahans. This is our home, let’s not break it,” he said.
He added that GRS had shown that respect within the coalition was not based solely on the number of seats held, citing that some parties without legislative representation were still given major responsibilities in state and regional platforms.
Mandut questioned the timing of any political anxiety expressed as the polls neared.
“When voices of concern emerge as elections approach, it is only right that we calmly ask - do these concerns stem from principle, or are they driven by shifting political tides?”
He acknowledged that differing opinions are normal but must be handled wisely.
“We must not allow today’s minor worries to erode the trust that GRS members and the people have built over time.”
He also cited former Foreign Minister and Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS) president Tan Sri Anifah Aman, who once said: “What good is a large house if there is no space for us? If so, what is wrong with moving to a smaller one?”
Mandut recalled that many once shared that grand political ‘house’, but added: “Today, we have built our own smaller home. It may not be as lavish, but it is ours, and it is our responsibility to defend it.”.
He also noted that the test of leadership comes not in calm times, but when faced with crisis and uncertainty.
“In peaceful times, anyone can appear a leader. But it is in moments of crisis that true leadership reveals itself.”
Mandut expressed hope that all GRS leaders, including senior figures like Pandikar Amin, would be seen as unifiers of the Sabah people.
“This home may not be perfect, but it is ours. And Sabah’s future depends on how well we protect it, together,” he said.
Pandikar Amin recently warned that it may be forced to contest solo in the upcoming state election if GRS continue to belittle and sideline Usno within its coalition.
He voiced disappointment over what he saw as a dismissive attitude from certain GRS leaders, saying it was unfair to question Usno’s right to seek seats despite the party’s ongoing efforts to strengthen grassroots support across Sabah.
Apart from PBS, Usno and PCS, the other five coalition parties under GRS are Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, Sabah STAR, Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah and Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
