KOTA KINABALU: The likelihood of a joint election machinery between Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Sabah Pakatan Harapan is becoming increasingly clear, with repeated signals of intent from Chief Minister and GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) vice-president Datuk Masiung Banah said the cooperation between the two political blocs appears to be heading in a positive direction as both sides have demonstrated mutual respect and support.
"The confidence is there. The Chief Minister has, on several occasions, expressed his openness and desire to work together with Pakatan Harapan," he said after officiating the Gagasan Rakyat Inanam Annual Conference at the Menggatal Community Hall on Tuesday (June 17).
Banah noted that Sabah Pakatan had also shown support for Hajiji’s leadership and administration, signalling strong groundwork for a potential collaboration in the upcoming 17th state election (PRN-17).
He said the matter of forming a formal joint election operation between GRS and Pakatan would be discussed and decided at the GRS Supreme Council meeting in the near future.
"If this cooperation is finalised, we will set up a joint election machinery in every district to ensure that GRS candidates have the full backing needed to win in PRN-17," he said.
Banah also confirmed that GRS currently shares a common view with Barisan Nasional, to not pursue any electoral cooperation for the state polls.
He expressed optimism that the existing working relationship between GRS and Sabah Pakatan within the state Cabinet had laid a solid foundation for political stability in Sabah, which should continue through the election.
He also commended Hajiji’s leadership, describing him as a unifying force at the forefront of Sabah politics.
"His leadership is the shield that protects political harmony and progress in the state. We believe the people trust him, and his ideas will be the rallying point for GRS consensus candidates to secure victory," Banah added.
The Gagasan Rakyat Inanam division is led by Datuk Dr Roland Chia, who was also present at the conference.
