KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has described Usno’s departure from the coalition as part and parcel of politics.
Its secretary-general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the United Sabah National Organisation’s (Usno) exit reflected the state’s fluid political landscape.
While expressing regret over Usno’s decision, he said it was respected.
“Politics is fluid, and it is often difficult to predict what will happen the next day.
Masidi said this when met by reporters after attending a gala night organised by the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah branch here on Saturday (April 25).
“I think we part as friends and not as enemies, and that is the most important thing,” he added.
He added that several other parties have applied to join GRS, but any announcement would be made by GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor at the appropriate time.
GRS information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who was also present, said he understood Usno’s move and respected the party’s decision.
“The reason given was that they are no longer compatible. For us in GRS, we will continue to focus on uniting all parties and communities in Sabah. We will not lose our focus,” he said, adding that such developments were normal in politics.
On Wednesday, Usno president Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia confirmed the party’s exit, citing irreconcilable differences with the GRS administration and its policies.
However, on Friday, Usno deputy president Datuk Ibrahim Linggam said the decision was not unanimous.
He claimed many party leaders at both central and divisional levels continued to support GRS, and alleged that Pandikar had acted hastily without fully considering the impact on members.
