KOTA KINABALU: The wave of defections from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and its ally Pakatan Harapan reflect a growing rejection of the ruling coalition for its failures, says Parti Warisan.
Its legal adviser Chin Tek Ming said this also showed a renewed public trust in Warisan’s leadership and principles.
He said under normal circumstances, politicians cross over to the government side in search of rewards and positions, but what Sabah is witnessing today is the opposite.
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He said leaders were leaving the government to join the opposition, sending a clear signal that GRS and Sabah Pakatan had failed.
Chin claimed that over the past few months, hundreds of members and prominent leaders from PBS, PGRS, Usno, PKR and other parties have quit to join Warisan and this groundswell cannot be ignored.
He added that the ruling coalition’s internal chaos, including Sabah STAR and Sabah Progressive Party’s (SAPP) exit from GRS and multiple resignations from Sabah DAP, showed a government in disarray.
"A coalition that cannot hold itself together cannot possibly hold Sabah together," he said in a statement on Tuesday (Oct 21).
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In contrast, Chin said Warisan remains united and forward-looking, guided by the same principles since its founding which are integrity, autonomy and service to the people.
He called on Sabahans to unite behind Warisan in the coming election, describing it as a defining moment for the state.
Amid its internal issues and berating by the state opposition, GRS launched its election machinery in high spirits on Sunday (Oct 19), with its leaders pledging to come back stronger as the new government after the Nov 29 Sabah polls.
GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said victory for the coalition was already within reach, more so with the seat allocations arrangements with Sabah Pakatan almost complete.
"What is important right now is to mobilise and go into this election full force," he said, adding that with its well-oiled machinery, systematic approach and a clear direction for the 17th state election, returning stronger was a distinct possibility for GRS.
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He said although the coalition had lost two member parties recently, those who remained would help make it stronger.
"I want to thank the component parties who remain with GRS. Although we have differences in political ideologies, party strategies and direction, we have one common goal which is to help the people and make Sabah prosper.
"I am sure if we continue to be united and work as a strong team, nothing can threaten our position," the caretaker Chief Minister added.
"We have... election machinery in every district in every division.
"All the parties in GRS can work together to support each other to ensure victory for every candidate we field," he added.
He also urged the GRS election machinery to fight against slander and disseminate information on the coalition's success during its five-year term on all possible platforms, including on social media and through face-to-face interaction with the people.
