PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional wants to work with local Sabah parties in the upcoming state election, as a pact between federal and state-based groups is essential for the region’s development, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic).
The Barisan chairman and Deputy Prime Minister said the coalition was currently talking to Sabah parties but declined to say when these negotiations would yield results.
“The reality is that whichever party or coalition is federal in nature must work with a party or coalition in Sabah.
“The combination between Federal and Sabah coalitions or parties must be realised,” Ahmad Zahid told reporters after a Rural and Regional Development Ministry event.
“We are engaging in many talks with them, but not just with GRS. We are also open to speaking with other political parties in Sabah,” Ahmad Zahid said when asked whether Barisan has entered into negotiations with Sabah’s ruling coalition, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
“I cannot predict when these talks will be done, but like the Prime Minister said, we want political stability between the federal and state administrations for the people of Sabah.”
“So if leaders of all parties can accept this, they should translate it into action.”
Barisan and Pakatan Harapan have formed a pact to work together in the Sabah election, which is due in November.
However, Pakatan chairman and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has suggested that Pakatan could still collaborate with GRS to ensure continuity in Sabah’s development programmes.
On May 12, Ahmad Zahid also voiced support for a grand coalition involving Barisan, Pakatan and GRS.
Currently, GRS consists of eight parties, including Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, Parti Bersatu Sabah, the Sabah Progressive Party, Sabah Star, the United Sabah National Organisation, Parti Cinta Sabah, the Liberal Democratic Party and Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah.
Meanwhile, Sabah Pakatan has four parties – Upko, PKR, DAP and Amanah – while Sabah Barisan comprises Umno, MCA, MIC and PBRS.
