[UPDATED] All GRS parties to use coalition logo for election: Hajiji

SANDAKAN – All parties under Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) have agreed to use the coalition’s logo in the coming general election.

GRS chairman and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor announced this today, saying that Sabah Bersatu, Sabah STAR, Parti Bersatu Sabah, Usno, and SAPP have decided to do so as a show of unity.

The decision shows the strong and stable collaboration between the five parties, and marks the first time in history that prominent Sabah leaders of different races have united under one tent successfully, he said at a GRS event in Batu Sapi. 

“We are united under one logo; the logo with the letters GRS backed by the mighty Mount Kinabalu. 

“Only with such a strong relationship between parties can we provide the best platform for the people that offers the most stable coalition, consisting of parties that represent all Sabahans,” he said. 

Hajiji also urged people not to believe rumours that the state assembly will be dissolved when Parliament is dissolved. Sabah held its state election in September 2020.

“The GRS-BN Sabah government is two years old tomorrow. We have another three years to go. 

“It is not true that the Sabah assembly will be dissolved. Don’t believe what people say,” he said.

Batu Sapi seat

Hajiji added that GRS is prepared to face the 15th general election, and will try its best to avoid seat clashes with Barisan Nasional (BN), which is also supporting the GRS-led Sabah government.

“If GRS wants to contest in Batu Sapi, BN will support the GRS candidate. If BN wants to contest here, GRS will support the BN candidate,” he said.  

Hajiji said a major issue in Batu Sapi is squatter settlements, which the Sabah government will work on gazetting as official villages so that basic amenities such as water and electricity can be supplied.

“I promise, if GRS wins in Batu Sapi, we will develop Batu Sapi,” he said. 

Although the GRS candidate for the seat has not been officially named, there is talk that the coalition may field Sabah Bersatu information chief Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, who organised today’s GRS tour in Batu Sapi. Khairul also gave a speech at today’s event.

As he delivered his speech, supporters in the crowd were heard shouting “Calon!” (candidate).

If Khairul is to contest and win in Batu Sapi, he will be the first Batu Sapi MP who is a Muslim Bumiputera and a non-Chinese.   

The Batu Sapi parliamentary seat has been vacant since the death of Warisan MP Datuk Liew Vui Keong in October 2020. – The Vibes, September 25, 2022