KOTA KINABALU: Forging an electoral pact with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) could prove costly, says Sabah Umno.
Sabah Umno strategic communications director Datu Rosman Ahir Zaman said there were valid concerns raised by Sabah PKR chief Datuk Mustapha Sakmud on the mining scandal and other issues faced by GRS.
Mustapha, whose party is part of GRS' ally Pakatan Harapan, had told an online portal that it was important to maintain peace and stability within the coalition.
"We agree with the concerns voiced by Mustapha," said Rosman, adding that the mining scandal had yet to be resolved and videos implicating certain assemblymen were not helping public perception of the party.
"Forming a pact with GRS would be a burden to their partners and become a costly liability," Rosman said.
He said Sabah Barisan would only work with partners who are sincere and have the same aspirations to serve the people and the state.
Earlier, Sabah PKR Information chief Farid Sainuri said that Mustapha had meant well when voicing his concerns.
He said this was a reaction to a statement by Sabah Umno information chief Suhaimi Nasir who referred to GRS as a "liability" in any potential Barisan-Pakatan Harapan-GRS pact.
