Datuk Masiung Banah speaks during the PGRS Gum Gum annual meeting in Sandakan.
SANDAKAN: While advocating for Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) to maintain its dominance in the forthcoming state election, the coalition must not overlook the significant role played by Pakatan Harapan (PH) in stabilising the Sabah government in the past, says Datuk Masiung Banah.
“The voters want local parties to lead and be dominant this time. That’s why I stressed we must contest 52 or 53 seats. Only then will the people see us as dominant. If not, the rakyat will criticise us,” said the vice-president of Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat).
He said this during the annual general meeting of Gum Gum GRS at the Rainforest Discovery Centre hall, here, on Sunday (June 22).
The event was chaired by the division chief, Datuk Juslie Ajirol, who was also a former Libaran MP.
“I think Sabahans are kind and rational. Even if the sentiment is for local parties, they will understand if we explain to them why we have to work with Pakatan, because Pakatan once helped save our government that local parties led,” Masiung said in his speech.
He also encouraged party members to concentrate on strengthening grassroots preparations and to avoid becoming distracted by speculation regarding party collaborations and seat negotiations.
Masiung said he was not involved in the Party President Council within GRS and does not know how others feel about the seat allocations. However, the final decision on seat distribution and cooperation lies with the GRS leadership, particularly its chairman and Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
“Once a decision is made, everyone should respect and follow it. I understand the GRS council will meet again soon,” said Masiung
The state election is expected to be called in the coming months, with negotiations ongoing among parties under GRS and its federal-level allies. To date, no formal pact has been formed by any parties in the state.
