USNO president Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia says his vocal stance against national parties seeking cooperation with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) reflects the unspoken views of the coalition’s leaders.
He said while other party presidents had their own backgrounds and styles, GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor stood out as a leader who acted rather than spoke.
“Hajiji is bold, but as a leader, he must also be careful. He must balance courage with patience,” Pandikar told reporters after one of the party’s ‘Jelajah’ in Sabah.
He claimed that the concerns he voiced were not solely his own but also mirror the sentiments of the top leaders in the GRS alliance.
“Many within the coalition feel the same way, but they cannot express it. I am the only one with the capacity to do so because I personally know the leaders in Kuala Lumpur.”
The GRS alliance comprises Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan), Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Sabah Star), Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), United Sabah National Organisation (Usno), Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS), Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (PHRS) and Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
Pandikar has been quite vocal on wanting GRS to contest in the forthcoming Sabah election independently.
He was against the idea of working with national parties.
Pandikar, a former Dewan Rakyat speaker, said his past role had given him personal insight into federal politicians, which allowed him to speak candidly.
“If action is to be taken, then target me and Usno. Hajiji is not at fault.”
He warned that cooperation with national parties should not be forced, saying that any pressure on GRS leaders would only strengthen local sentiment.
“GRS is the largest local coalition. That is why Usno is going on the ground—to gauge public sentiment.”
He also pointed to recent allegations of corruption within GRS, saying other major party leaders were also facing court cases.
“This is nothing new in Malaysia. It is up to the people to judge.”
Pandikar said GRS leaders would eventually decide on their political direction, but any decision would have to reflect the majority view.
“If there is disagreement, that is democracy. But in the end, a decision must be made, and the majority must be accepted.” - February 17, 2025
