KOTA KINABALU – The newly launched Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition will be based on the principle of political accommodation – being open to collaboration with all parties that have the same objectives and interests.
GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Md Noor said the principle invites all parties to find common ground for collaboration and unity, not differences and competition.
“I and many political leaders here have been in politics for tens of years. As players in the competitive politics in Sabah, in the end, we all have to admit that Sabah is still far behind (in terms of development).
“We have seen development, but I think we can all agree that Sabah should have been more developed,” he said at the launch yesterday.
“We are strong when we are united. We will be respected if we are strong and united in voicing and fighting for the people in Sabah.”
Political accommodation is one of two GRS’ political principles outlined, with another being – results over rhetoric.
He said he has been holding on to the principle that the performance of GRS should not only be based on never-ending empty promises, but it should also show results.
“I have repeatedly stressed that the value and meaning of the government’s development agenda should not only be heard but it should also be seen and felt by the people.”
Also present were three GRS deputy chairmen Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili (Parti Bersatu Sabah president), Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan (Sabah STAR president), and Datuk Yong Teck Lee (Sabah Progressive Party president).
GRS was officially registered as a new political entity in March, with official component parties PBS, STAR, SAPP, and the latest addition Usno.
Hajiji, who is Sabah Bersatu chief, said GRS will continue to be committed to implementing the Sayangi Sabah Agenda that is included in its state election manifesto in 2020.
He said the Sayangi Sabah Agenda has been translated into the Sabah Maju Jaya plan that was presented in March last year. – The Vibes, May 29, 2022
