SANDAKAN: Possible clashes between Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Barisan Nasional in the upcoming state election are “normal in Sabah politics”, says GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Such clashes could happen despite Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call for the three coalitions – including Pakatan Harapan – to work together.
ALSO READ: Sabah Umno shuts door on GRS but will stick with Pakatan
“We practise democracy, and when you look at Sabah’s political landscape, it is unique," he told the media Friday (Sept 5), when asked about GRS maintaining its partnership with Pakatan amid Anwar’s advice for GRS, Barisan and Pakatan to put up a joint front.
"This is nothing new – in the past, one party here under Barisan Nasional was in the opposition, while at the federal level they were together. So this is normal in politics, especially in Sabah,” he added.
Hajiji was commenting on Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s statement on Thursday (Sept 4) night that Sabah Umno and Barisan would maintain cooperation with Pakatan but would not partner with GRS.
However, when asked if GRS would not work with Barisan, Hajiji said the decision had not been made yet but would be announced soon.
ALSO READ: Pakatan seeks to ensure partners Barisan and GRS do not clash in Sabah polls, says PM
“It is up to Barisan or Umno, but for your information, we in GRS have decided through our supreme council meeting that we will continue our collaboration in the state government now, which is with Pakatan,” he said after the state-level Maulidur Rasul event at the Sandakan Community Hall here.
On Thursday, Ahmad Zahid told a press conference that Anwar had advised the three coalitions to avoid overlapping contests during a review of seat negotiations involving GRS, Barisan and Pakatan leaders.
Ahmad Zahid said Sabah Barisan-Umno’s decision not to work with GRS in facing the election followed a Sabah Umno political bureau meeting last night.
