SANDAKAN: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) should maintain its dominant position in the upcoming state election while recognising Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) crucial role in stabilizing Sabah’s government previously, said Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) vice-president Datuk Masiung Banah.
Speaking at the PGRS Gum-Gum annual general meeting at Rainforest Discovery Centre on June 22, Masiung emphasized: “Voters want local parties to lead decisively. That’s why we must contest 52-53 seats to demonstrate our dominance. Otherwise, the public will criticize us.”
Local sentiment vs political reality: While acknowledging strong voter preference for local parties, Masiung stressed Sabahans would understand the need for PH collaboration given their past support.
He urged members to concentrate on ground preparations rather than speculation about alliances, adding that, clarified final seat allocations and cooperation terms rest with GRS leadership under Chairman/Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The meeting, chaired by former Libaran MP Datuk Juslie Ajirol, comes as Sabah prepares for elections expected within months. No formal inter-party pacts have been established yet.
“Once decisions are made, all must respect them,” Masiung concluded, noting the GRS council would reconvene soon for further discussions.
The event drew over 1,000 delegates and observers, reflecting strong party engagement. – James Leong
