KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Pakatan Harapan views electoral cooperation with Barisan Nasional as a rational and necessary move to advance the country’s unity agenda, particularly in the lead-up to the 17th Sabah Election.
In a joint statement on Friday (May 9), Sabah Pakatan leaders said both coalitions are core pillars of the Federal Government alongside Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), and others.
“Given this partnership at the national level, it is only logical for (Barisan and Pakatan) to cooperate in elections.
"We are also open to engaging with other parties who support unity and collaborative nation-building,” the statement read.
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The coalition stressed that such cooperation should be driven by shared goals, chiefly, the development of Malaysia and the long-term interests of Sabah.
They also noted the importance of preserving political stability and harmonious federal–state relations, which they said are crucial in fulfilling the aspirations behind the formation of Malaysia and ensuring a better future for the people of Sabah.
The statement was jointly signed by Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick, Sabah DAP chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, Sabah PKR chief Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, and Sabah Amanah chairman Tuan Lahirul Latigu.
Earlier, Sabah Barisan and state Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin had said the alliance aims to secure a genuine mandate from the people.
Bung Moktar said the decision to cooperate reflects a commitment to political maturity, unity and stability.
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It was announced earlier on Friday that Pakatan and Barisan top leaders had met and reached a consensus to cooperate in the Sabah elections, with discussions on seat distribution and cooperation with other parties to be managed jointly by state leaders from both coalitions.
Sabah Barisan also pledged full mobilisation of its machinery for the allies to contest as a united front.
The stance of GRS, which had previously been open to working with Sabah Pakatan but remained hesitant about Barisan, is still unclear, with its chairman and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor yet to comment on the latest developments.
