TAWAU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is not out of the picture yet when it comes to political cooperation, despite the recent alliance between Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional, according to PH chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar said he had just discussed the matter with Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, during which they talked about continuing collaboration between Pakatan and GRS.
"I thank Hajiji for his views that the collaboration between GRS and PH should be enhanced. As for the negotiation between GRS and Barisan, if they want to work together, I leave it to GRS and BN. However, for us in PH, we agree to leave the matter to Sabah, led by Hajiji, to negotiate and find a solution moving forward.
“Because what is important for us is that Sabah’s condition is stable and is able to work with the federal government,” he said when met by reporters at the Tawau Airport after he attended the Sabah PKR State Leadership Council meeting on Sunday (May 11).
When asked if he believes that GRS, Pakatan, and Barisan could collaborate in the state election, Anwar stated that he could only speak on behalf of Pakatan, and he remains optimistic.
“I also see that Hajiji’s attitude is very positive, while we have also discussed with PH and they think the same. The rest of it, I leave it for them to vote,” he said.
Anwar was in Tawau for the Program Madani Rakyat. Earlier, he made a courtesy visit to Sabah Head of State Tun Musa Aman during lunch.
Last Friday, Pakatan and Barisan announced their agreement to cooperate for the upcoming Sabah state election.
In a joint statement, Pakatan secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Unity Government Secretariat chief Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the decision was reached during a top leadership meeting involving Anwar and BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on May 8.
Following this, Hajiji said GRS would contest solo in the state election if Pakatan and Barisan proceed with their collaboration.
“It is essential that the Sabah government remains led by local parties that understand the aspirations of the people. Straying from this principle would risk ignoring the voices of many Sabahans," Hajiji said in a statement on May 9.
GRS consists of eight parties, including Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, Parti Bersatu Sabah, Sabah Progressive Party, Sabah Star, United Sabah National Organisation, Parti Cinta Sabah, Liberal Democratic Party and Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah. Meanwhile, Sabah Pakatan has four parties — United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation, PKR, DAP and Amanah.
