KOTA KINABALU – Sabah Bersatu will still work together with Sabah Umno via Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) in the coming election, despite decisions from central Bersatu and Umno to face each other in the election, said Sabah Bersatu Chief Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor.
In a statement today, he said the political landscape in Sabah is unique and maintained that the GRS parties are united.
“All parties have collectively agreed to complete our five-year term as state government.
“I know that Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin had declared readiness to face Bersatu in the coming general election, but the statement was based on Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s stance that Umno would defend all seats won in the last general election.
“In Sabah’s political context, it is very unique here. It is a different situation (compared to West Malaysia).
“For us here in Sabah, we will discuss with all component parties in GRS wisely and arrive at the best possible solution in facing the next general elections,” the Sabah chief minister said.
Hajiji said even Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin acknowledged the uniqueness of Sabah’s political landscape and had said he would leave the matter to GRS to discuss.
He said it is critical for the ruling administration to work together and cooperate, seeing that they have been granted a mandate by the public to rule.
“There is so much work for us to do and implement our development agenda, including to manage the Covid-19 pandemic and at the same time pursue economic recovery.
“Put politics aside and let us focus,” he said.
Yesterday, Bung Moktar, who is also the deputy chief minister, was reported as saying that Sabah Umno was ready to face not only Bersatu but any party in GRS in the next general election.
GRS comprises Perikatan Nasional (Bersatu, Sabah STAR, SAPP, PAS, and Gerakan), Barisan Nasional (Umno, MCA, MIC, PBRS), and Parti Bersatu Sabah. – The Vibes, April 10, 2021
