THERE is no bad blood within Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) over the departure of two of its founding members, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) and the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP).
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who chairs GRS, said the coalition respected the move, stressing that it was up to both parties to make their own decision.
“GRS does not force its component parties to leave. If they wish to contest solo, that is their choice,” he said at a groundbreaking ceremony in Pitas on Saturday.
Hajiji, who appeared to hold no grudges, underlined that GRS remained united with its remaining partners, particularly Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), and expressed confidence of victory.
“God willing, we will win in the coming election. With our component partners, especially PBS, GRS will continue as a solid and stable coalition in Sabah. We want to carry on because our journey is only halfway through,” he said.
He also defended his administration’s record, pointing to nearly five years of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development policy as evidence of its ability to revive the economy and improve livelihoods.
“SMJ is not just a slogan, it is an action plan that has shown results,” Hajiji said, adding that the mandate given by the people in 2020 had been translated into tangible programmes despite challenges and criticism.
On Thursday, GRS secretary-general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun confirmed that the membership of STAR and SAPP had been automatically revoked after both parties decided to contest the upcoming election under their own logos.
This followed a closed-door meeting of GRS presidents on Wednesday night, during which STAR president Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan issued an ultimatum, saying he would leave the alliance if too many concessions were given to electoral partner Pakatan Harapan (PH).
Jeffrey had objected to indications that PH would be allocated 21 to 23 seats in the state election, arguing it went against the wishes of Sabah voters who preferred a local political front. – October 4, 2025
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