GABUNGAN Rakyat Sabah (GRS) confirmed it will continue its alliance with Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the upcoming 17th state election, saying the partnership has helped stabilise politics in the state.
The decision was reached at a Supreme Council meeting on Sunday night, which also discussed preparations for the polls expected soon.
In a statement, GRS said the collaboration with PH had allowed the state government to focus on development, including resolving issues related to basic infrastructure.
GRS will soon meet PH leaders to decide on seat allocations, with the coalition stressing that local parties should take the lead in any agreed arrangement.
The council did not discuss cooperation with any other parties for the election.
GRS secretary-general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the move was aimed at ensuring political stability and development focus in Sabah.
“This cooperation has provided space for the state government to prioritise Sabah’s development and address pressing issues such as basic amenities,” Masidi said.
The meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, with party presidents of the eight-party coalition present.
On 27 July 2025, Hajiji announced officially that GRS would form an electoral pact with PH and noted that he would consult all component party presidents in the coalition.
The coalition is made up of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah led by Hajiji himself, Parti Bersatu Sabah headed by acting president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku led by Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan, Sabah Progressive Party headed by Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee, United Sabah National Organisation (Usno) led by Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, Parti Cinta Sabah headed by Tan Sri Anifah Aman, Parti Liberal Demokratik led by Datuk Chin Su Phin, and Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah headed by Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah.
Tension simmered between the parties in GRS when Hajiji made the announcement last month, after some party leaders reportedly accusing Hajiji of acting unilaterally. ⁃ August 11, 2025
